Fuel efficiency considerations can require tire design or material changes that may have unintended consequences regarding other important aspects of tire performance. All in the industry agree that inflation pressure is a most important efficiency factor that requires continual maintenance. Attempts to address this issue, including a relentless campaign by the industry alerting motorists to checking inflation pressure at least once a month, has only a marginal effect. Besides fuel efficiency, underinflation is a major contributor to poor performance including tire disablement and vehicle controllability. As anyone who rides a bicycle knows, reduced pressure in the tires increases rolling resistance. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that the U.S. fleet suffers about -3 psi/vehicle average inflation deficiency. This misuse reality now can be partially addressed with high purity, state-of-the art nitrogen inflation.
SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS
Letter
to the
Editor
Rubber News wants to hear from its readers. If you want to express your opinion on a story or issue, email your letter to Editor Bruce Meyer at [email protected].