NEWS RELEASE Newfoundland and Labrador drivers' tire maintenance habits cost them money, harm the environment and risk safety Halifax (September 14, 2005) - More than 67 percent of Atlantic Canada's passenger vehicles have improperly inflated tires - a potentially serious problem that leads to reduced road safety, higher fuel costs and harmful greenhouse gas emissions. These results were part of a recent study on tire inflation by The Rubber Association of Canada and Natural Resources Canada. While the Atlantic Canadian number is high, it is on par with the national average. Across the country, 70 percent of passenger cars and light trucks have at least one tire that is improperly inflated by at least 10 percent. Across Canada 40 percent of vehicles have at least one tire that is 20 percent misinflated. 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 Halifax, The Rubber Association of Canada and its partners, Natural Resources Canada, the Sierra Club of Canada - Atlantic Canada Chapter and the Atlantic Tire Dealers Association, are hosting a public tire clinic to draw Atlantic Canadians' 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 to encourage Canadian motorists to "get serious" about their tires. "The number of vehicles operating with under- or over-inflated tires across the country, day in and day out, is disturbing, considering that underinflation is the leading cause of tire failure," said 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. "I am pleased that NRCan is part of the Be Tire Smart program," said the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. "Proper tire maintenance is one easy way Canadians can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut their vehicles' fuel consumption and lower the risk of an accident, all at the same time. It's simple, environmentally friendly and smart." With properly inflated tires, 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 and $1,000 over the typical seven-year life of a vehicle. This is an important message that the Sierra Club of Canada - Atlantic Canada Chapter wants to share with local drivers, which is why it has become a partner in this campaign. "We've asked Haligonians to take the One-Tonne Challenge and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by one tonne," said Selene Cole, Climate Change Program Coordinator, Sierra Club of Canada - Atlantic Canada Chapter. "Car maintenance, specifically tire maintenance, is one of the easiest ways for people to do just that." According to literature 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, 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 calibrated tire gauge. For more information, media may contact: Gilles Paquette Manager, Communications The Rubber Association of Canada Tel: (905) 814-1714 Sasha Irving MT&L Public Affairs Ltd. Tel: 902-420-1860 Selene Cole Climate Change Program Coordinator One-Tonne Challenge Coordinator Sierra Club of Canada - Atlantic Canada Chapter Tel: (902) 444-3113 Ghyslain Charron Media Relations Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa Tel: (613) 992-4447 Tom Ormsby Director of Communications Office of the Minister Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa Tel: (613) 996-2007