Are Your Tires Prepared for the Season Ahead? Probably Not, Says Survey

A tire industry survey reveals that nearly 7 out of 10 vehicles are riding on under-inflated tires, which waste gasoline, increase the risk of tire damage and cause premature tire wear.  With the busy summer driving season ahead, AAA urges motorists to ensure their tries are up to the demands of hot-weather driving.

Last summer, AAA’s Roadside Rescue Team assisted more than 9,000 motorists with flat tires in Greater Hartford and eastern Connecticut.  “Many of these tire problems can be avoided by taking a few minutes once a month to ensure tires are properly inflated,” said AAA Public Affairs Manager Aaron Kupec.  “Improper pressure levels not only put drivers’ safety at risk but also can cost them extra money in gasoline and tire replacement costs.”

Tire Tales
One of the strangest tire calls in recent memory for AAA occurred last Tuesday in Bloomfield, where the auto club was dispatched to find a vehicle with no tires-- or wheels.  AAA's Roadside Rescue Team was able to use the vehicle's spare tire and a spare from another vehicle coupled with dollies to put the vehicle on a tow truck.  More common tire problems encountered by AAA include flats from hitting road debris and blowouts from improper inflation.

Pressure Points
A recent survey by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), the national trade association for tire manufacturers, revealed:

• 9% of vehicles had four properly inflated tires

• 69% of vehicles had at least one under-inflated tire

• 18% of vehicles had at least one tire under inflated by 8 pounds per square inch (PSI)

RMA sponsors National Tire Safety Week (June 1-7) to focus efforts to educate drivers about the need for regular tire maintenance. 

Motorists should check inflation pressure at least once a month and before long trips and, to remember to check the spare tire.  To properly check inflation pressure, an individual must use a tire gauge; use the correct inflation pressure for the vehicle and; check tires when cold, before driving.  The correct inflation pressure is found on a label on the driver’s doorjamb or owner’s manual, not the tire sidewall.  More advice on tires from AAA is available here.