The Alliance is a trade association that represents BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Co., General Motors, Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota and Volkswagen.

The group has launched a new Web site – at checkmytires.com – that tests consumers’ awareness of tire pressure and provides information about how temperature, safety and fuel efficiency impact tire pressure.

At the Web site, consumers can learn about what the tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) symbols look like in vehicles, plus take a quiz that tests their knowledge of tire pressure and safety. They can also check their local weather.

“Cooler fall temperatures are here and the holiday driving season is around the corner. Our goal is to urge the driving public to check their vehicle’s tire pressure at least once a month and before going on long driving trips,” said Fred Webber, president and CEO of the Alliance. “Vehicles are being equipped with TPMS, and we want to educate the driving public about what these new symbols mean in their vehicles and why maintaining proper tire pressure is important.”

For every 10º change in temperature; a tire can lose about one psi, according to the Alliance, which also stated that fuel efficiency is reduced one percent for every three psi of underinflation.

“The new symbols are not a replacement for regularly checking the tire pressure in your vehicles,” Webber emphasized.