Underinflated Tires in the U. S.

More than 1/4 of cars & 1/3 of light trucks on U.S. roadways have one or more tires underinflated 8 pounds per square inch (PSI) or more below the level recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. A decrease in tire pressure can be caused by poor maint., driving habits, punctures, road conditions, & the quality of material used in tire construction. Under normal driving conditions, air-filled tires can lose from 1 to 2 psi per month as air permeates through the tires. The following questions are addressed: What is the impact of tire underinflation on safety & fuel economy, & what actions has the fed. gov¿t. taken to promote proper tire inflation?; & What technologies are currently available to reduce underinflation & what are their implications for safety & fuel economy? Illus.Siggerud, Katherine A. is the author of 'Underinflated Tires in the U. S.', published 2007 under ISBN 9781422315194 and ISBN 1422315193.