WASHINGTON (May 24)—The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's final rule on tire pressure monitoring systems is not in the public interest and should be changed, the Rubber Manufacturers Association told NHTSA in its petition for reconsideration.
The RMA has long said the standard's provision that tires may fall 25 percent below the vehicle manufacturer's recommended inflation pressure allows tires to sustain severe damage while giving motorists a false sense of security. Because it has often reiterated this objection, the RMA merely noted it and then expanded on two technical objections it has to the standard.
The Tire Industry Association, Volkswagen of America Inc. and several TPMS manufacturers also have filed petitions of reconsideration.