WASHINGTON (Nov. 11)—The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's proposed rule on tire pressure monitoring systems fails miserably in its stated goal of improving consumer safety, the Rubber Manufacturers Association said in a submission to the agency.
The standard as written would warn motorists when the air pressure of their tires fall 25 percent below the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure, a provision the RMA insists is unacceptable.
"The TPMS telltale should illuminate when the tire's inflation pressure falls below the minimum level of pressure required to support the tire," said the RMA, which asked the agency for a supplemental rulemaking to obtain public comment on this point.
NHTSA requested comment from interested parties on the proposed TPMS rule; the Tire Industry Association said Nov. 10 it will submit its comments by Nov. 15.