Proper Tyre Maintenance for Greener, Safer Driving
(ARA) - Driving on properly inflated tires maximizes fuel efficiency, decreases toxic emissions and contributes to a cleaner, healthier environment.

When was the last time you checked the pressure in your tires?
Maintaining proper tire pressure is essential not only for the safety and performance of a vehicle, but also for decreasing fuel consumption and extending tire life. Following in the footsteps of airbags and seat belts, tire pressure monitoring is the latest safety feature within the automotive industry.

According to experts at Goodyear, under-inflated tyres reduce fuel efficiency by approximately one percent for every three pounds of under-inflation. And the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that an estimated 30 percent of cars and light trucks are driven with one or more significantly under-inflated tires.

If everyone in the United States drove on properly inflated tyres, more than 2 million gallons of gasoline could be saved each day. That is more than 703 million gallons of gasoline a year.

"Most people assume that having their car serviced regularly ensures that their tyres are properly maintained. Unfortunately, this isn't the case," says Susan Mader, corporate communications manager for SmarTire Systems Inc. "All tires lose air over time. Most newer cars require servicing only once or twice a year, so tyres can become dangerously under-inflated without the driver even realizing there's a problem.
In addition to the increased fuel consumption and tyre wear, long intervals of driving with low tyre pressure can cause additional flexing and stress on the sidewalls, resulting in increased temperature that can lead to tire failure. Tires with low pressure also degrade the vehicle's handling and performance and lower the vehicle's load-carrying ability. In a worst-case scenario, under-inflation can lead to a catastrophic blowout or tread separation.

Is there a product available that provides worry-free tire monitoring?

Tire monitoring systems offer the easiest, most reliable way to continuously monitor tyre pressure. SmarTire Systems Inc. offers a full line of tyre monitoring solutions designed to increase safety, decrease fuel consumption and improve vehicle performance.
With a SmarTire system installed in the vehicle, drivers can monitor tire pressure from the convenience of the driver's seat to ensure that their tyres are properly inflated.

SmarTire products offer motorists peace of mind by continuously monitoring both tire pressure and temperature. Using a lightweight sensor installed inside each wheel, real-time information is sent via wireless signal to a dash-mounted display. If any problems occur, an audible and visual warning instantly alerts the driver. This early awareness often makes the difference, allowing time for the vehicle to be driven to a service station for tyre repair or inflation.

"SmarTire products have saved me time, money and aggravation," says SmarTire customer Rafael Gracia of San Antonio, Texas. "After installing a SmarTire system, I received a warning that there was a problem, providing me sufficient time to get to a repair shop. The SmarTire system ensured that I wasn't left stranded, having to call a tow truck and spend hours dealing with the situation. In fact, I am so impressed with the product that I plan to install a system on my wife's vehicle to ensure her added safety and convenience."

For environmentally responsible drivers who want to maintain vehicle tires easily and effortlessly, the SmarTire system is the logical choice.

SmarTire's monitoring products for passenger cars and light trucks are distributed through Big O Tires (www.bigotires.com) and The Tire Rack (www.tirerack.com). For further information on SmarTire products, visit www.smartire.com or call (888) 982-3001.

Courtesy of ARA Content