Playing With Traffic

"Cooler temperatures are here, and with the holiday season approaching, our goal is to urge drivers to check their vehicle's tire pressure," states Fred Webber, president and chief executive officer for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.

All new vehicles will be equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) by 2008. About 70 percent of 2007 models are equipped with TPMS. When the new TPMS symbol lights up on the vehicle dashboard, it is alerting the driver that one or more tires is under inflated. In fact, a sensor on the wheel triggers the symbol to illuminate when at least one tire is 25 percent or more under inflated. The new TPMS symbol is not a substitute for tire maintenance, however. Tire pressure should be checked at least once a month and before going on long driving trips.

Underinflated tires can lead to accidents that cause skidding, loss of control, hydroplaning-especially when the roads are covered with ice or snow-as well as flat tires and blowouts.

In addition, improperly inflated tires also affect a vehicle's fuel efficiency, reducing it by one percent for every three PSI under inflation. Keeping your tires properly inflated translates into a free tank of gas every year.

To find out what your vehicle's proper tire pressure should be, look for the label which is located on one of three places in your vehicle: the driver's door frame, the sill or edge.

To learn more about tire pressure safety, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and to view the new TPMS dashboard symbol, visit www.checkmytires.com. Automobiles are now on sale with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System-this warning light alerts drivers to low tire pressure.

Article Source: http://www.thearticleinsiders.com