RMA poll shows most drivers misunderstand tire pressure monitoring systems

WASHINGTON (Aug. 20)—Two-thirds of U.S. drivers think having tire pressure monitoring systems in their cars means they won't have to check their tires as often, according to a poll commissioned by the Rubber Manufacturers Association. More than half the 700 drivers polled also thought that a dashboard warning light about underinflated tires won't signify immediate danger. The RMA used the poll results to demonstrate the need for a minimum reserve pressure standard for tires to combat underinflations of 25 to 30 percent permitted by tire monitoring systems. The association also noted a National Transportation Safety Board document that urged the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to adopt more stringent detection thresholds for tire monitoring devices.