Rubber Association of Canada Releases Study at the Launch of the Be Tire Smart - Play your PART Campaign in Quebec Montréal (October 13, 2004) - A study on tire inflation conducted by The Rubber Association of Canada in partnership with the Government of Canada has revealed a problem with incorrect tire inflation in Quebec. Sixty-three per cent of Quebec passenger cars and light trucks have at least one tire that is improperly inflated by at least 10 per cent. Twenty-eight per cent of vehicles had at least one tire that is 20 per cent mis-inflated - a potentially serious situation that can lead to reduced safety, higher fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions contributing to climate change. In addition to the findings on improper tire inflation, the study found that motorists do not know where to look for the proper tire-pressure ratings for their vehicle, when to measure tire pressure and what the proper tire maintenance procedures are. In fact, only 27 per cent of motorists knew to consult the vehicle information placard for the correct tire pressure for their vehicle. That is why, today, The Rubber Association of Canada, in partnership with the Government of Canada and CAA-Quebec, launched the Be Tire Smart - Play your PART campaign in Quebec, the first program of its kind to focus on the safety, environmental and cost benefits of proper tire maintenance. The Be Tire Smart - Play your PART program will help motorists improve their safety and the fuel efficiency of their vehicles. It will also help save energy and reduce the GHG emissions that contribute to climate change. "The number of vehicles operating with underinflated or overinflated tires on our roads and highways day in and day out is disturbing, considering that mis-inflation is the leading cause of tire failure," says Glenn Maidment, President of The Rubber Association of Canada. "Our survey findings show that there is an urgent need for better tire inflation and maintenance practices." "I am pleased that NRCan is part of the 'Be Tire Smart' program," said the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. "Proper tire maintenance is one easy way Canadians can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut their vehicles' fuel comsumption and lower the risk of an accident, all at the same time. It's simple, environmentally friendly and smart." The Government of Canada participates in the campaign through Natural Resources Canada's (NRCan's) Office of Energy Efficiency. NRCan also co-manages the project and provides information and technical expertise on vehicle fuel efficiency and climate change. Transport Canada and Environment Canada provide services and technical support in their respective fields of expertise. By keeping tires properly inflated, Canadians can make a significant difference in climate change by preventing 1.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. Through improved gas efficiency and decreased tire wear, we can save a total of $500 million a year, and individually, between $850 and $1,000 over the typical seven-year life of a vehicle. According to literature most recently released by The Rubber Association of Canada, measuring the air pressure of each tire on a vehicle, including the spare, is quick and easy. "We recommend that if you are unsure about proper tire inflation levels for the tires on your vehicle, you should ask a professional," added Maidment. "Tires generally perform so reliably that people tend to take them for granted, but like all products, they work best when they are properly maintained." One of the most alarming statistics in the study was that 88 per cent of Quebec drivers said they measure their tire pressure when the tires "looked low." In fact, the only accurate way to measure tire pressure is with a good-quality tire gauge. CAA-Quebec has joined the campaign as a partner to distribute this important tire maintenance information to its members. "As an advocate for the Canadian motoring public, CAA-Quebec is pleased to take part in this campaign, which is an excellent example of the public and private sectors working together to do their part for the environment and Canadian motorists' safety," said Pierre Beaudoin, Senior Manager, Technical Services, CAA-Quebec. Motorists are invited to visit http://www.betiresmart.ca for more information on proper tire maintenance. Tom Ormsby Director of Communications Office of the Minister Ottawa (613) 996-2007 Glenn Maidment President Rubber Association of Canada Mississauga (905) 814-1714 Ghyslain Charron Media Relations Natural Resources Canada Ottawa (613) 992-4447 Debbie Cabana GPC International (418) 524-4646, ext. 230