Good Tire Maintenance Means Better Vehicle Performance, Less Pollution; Proper Tire Inflation Improves Fuel Economy and Lowers Emissions
GREENVILLE, S.C., April 22 -- According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if all tires in the United States were properly inflated, it would save four million gallons of gasoline every day. In fact, significantly under-inflated tires can reduce gas mileage by one mile per gallon. Underinflation also reduces tire life and can affect vehicle performance and handling.
"Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to remind drivers that proper tire inflation can improve the environment and driving safety," said Ron Musgnug, North American project leader for Challenge Bibendum(TM). "As National Tire Safety Week approaches, we are encouraging all drivers to check the air pressure in their tires. This simple step can have a significant positive impact on our air quality today -- regardless of the type of vehicle a consumer is currently driving."
Properly maintained and inflated tires help the environment because they are more fuel efficient, which saves gas and lowers vehicle emissions. Gasoline emissions contribute to air pollution and global warming. Maximizing fuel economy can reduce the amount of particulates in the air while saving money on gasoline.
Tire inflation and maintenance will be in the spotlight next week as Michelin and the Rubber Manufacturers Association celebrate National Tire Safety Week (April 27 - May 3). Michelin will have a variety of events encouraging consumers to focus on tire safety. For details, visit www.michelinman.com.
Safe driving and better environmental performance often go hand-in-hand. The progress being made to develop more environmentally positive vehicles will be measured and reported during the fifth Challenge Bibendum competition Sept. 23-25, 2003 in Sonoma and San Francisco, California. Organized by Michelin, Challenge Bibendum is expected to attract nearly 100 vehicles from manufacturers around the world.
About Challenge Bibendum
Challenge Bibendum, considered one of the premier global events for advanced technology vehicles, was conceived by the Michelin Group as an objective way to bring together and test the best available technologies for environmentally positive vehicles. Challenge Bibendum features vehicles from major vehicle manufacturers on three continents and brings together all facets of the automotive world: vehicle manufacturers, designers, energy suppliers, technical leaders, industrial partners, influencers, government and non- government organizations. The event is open to all energy sources and includes a series of tests rating vehicles on emissions, acceleration, braking, handling, noise and energy efficiency.
While some Americans may be unfamiliar with the name 'Bibendum', it is well known throughout other areas of the world. Bibendum(R) is the name of the Michelin Man(TM) -- the towering man of tires that has symbolized Michelin for more than 105 years.
The inaugural Challenge Bibendum held in France in 1998 not only showcased 50 low-emission cars, but also celebrated Bibendum's 100th birthday. Complete information about Michelin's upcoming 2003 competition is available at www.challengebibendum.com
Michelin manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, maps and atlases covering Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelin.com) employs 24,640 and operates 22 plants in 18 locations.