British Columbian drivers' tire maintenance habits cost them money, harm the environment and risk safety VANCOUVER - More than 70% of Vancouver passenger vehicles have improperly inflated tires - a potentially serious problem that leads to reduced safety, higher fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change. These results were part of The Rubber Association of Canada and the Government of Canada's recent national study on tire inflation. While the Vancouver number is high, it is exactly on par with the national average. Across the country, 70% of passenger cars and light trucks have at least one tire that is improperly inflated by at least 10 per cent. Forty per cent of vehicles have at least one tire that is 20% mis-inflated. In Vancouver, drivers fared a little better than the national average in this category with 36% of vehicles having at least one tire that is mis-inflated by more than 20%. In addition to the findings on improper tire inflation, the study found that motorists do not know where to look for the proper tire pressure ratings for their vehicle, when to measure tire pressure and what are the proper tire maintenance procedures. Today in Vancouver, The Rubber Association of Canada, hosted a public tire clinic to draw Vancouverites' attention to the problem. The tire clinic is part of the Be Tire Smart Play Your PART campaign, the first program of its kind in Canada to focus on the safety, environmental, and cost benefits of proper tire inflation and maintenance and aimed to encourage Canadian motorists to "get serious" about their tires. "The number of vehicles operating with under or over-inflated tires, in Vancouver and in every city across the country, day in and day out is disturbing, considering that under-inflation is the leading cause of tire failure," says Glenn Maidment, President of The Rubber Association of Canada. "Our survey findings show that there is an urgent need for better tire inflation and maintenance practices." The Government of Canada participates in the campaign through Natural Resources Canada's Office of Energy Efficiency. Transport Canada and Environment Canada provide services and technical support in their respective field of expertise. By keeping tires properly inflated, Canadians can make a significant difference in climate change by preventing 1.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. Collectively, we can save a total of $500 million a year - or individually between $850 to $1,000 over the typical seven-year life of a vehicle. According to literature most recently released by The Rubber Association of Canada, measuring the air pressure of each tire on a vehicle, including the spare, is quick and easy. "We recommend that if you are unsure about proper tire inflation levels for the tires on your vehicle check the vehicle placard or ask a professional," added Maidment. "Tires generally perform so reliably that people tend to take them for granted, but like all products, they work best when they are properly maintained." One of the most alarming statistics in the study was that more than half of those surveyed believed that a visual check of their tires was sufficient to tell if they were properly inflated. In fact, the only accurate way to measure tire pressure is with a good quality tire gauge. Visit www.betiresmart.ca for more information on proper tire inflation and maintenance. For more information, media may contact: Glenn Maidment President Rubber Association of Canada Mississauga (905) 814-1714 Dana Sissons GPC International Tel: (604) 688-2549 ext. 223