The Rubber Association of Canada recently hosted a membership meeting featuring researcher Dennis Desrosiers, who reviewed the results from the RAC commissioned 2009 Consumer Tire Inflation and Attitudinal Study, and compared the results to the RAC’s 2003 benchmark survey.  

Some key findings from the survey, Desrosiers said, include:

• The proportion of vehicles with at least one tire mis-inflated more than 10% fell from 71% to 55%. 

• The portion of vehicles with underinflated tires of 20% or more, has gone down from 23% to 10%.

• The frequency of monthly pressure checks declined from 39% in 2003 to only 30% in 2009.

• Motorists knowing where to find their tire information placard improved from 38% to 52%

• More motorists understand that maintaining proper tire pressure improves fuel economy.

These significant gains can be attributed to a number of factors such as community outreach and advocacy programs, Desrosiers said, such as RAC’s “Be Tire Smart – Play Your PART campaign.” Vehicle technology – specifically the growth of TPMS – and increased use of nitrogen inflation also contributed to the improved results.

In addition, RAC said, stronger winter tires sales have meant more winter tire changeovers so consumers are getting at least two pressure readings per year.

At the same time, Desrosiers and RAC suggested that perhaps Canadian drivers have become too technology reliant. “Looking at the answers to the question ‘What would lead you to check your tire pressure?’ it is clear that Canadian motorists are becoming too reliant on other people or technology to maintain their tire pressure and that they believe a visual gaze at their tires rather than taking a gauge to them is a good indicator.”

Following the Desrosiers presentation, RAC conducted a roundtable discussion to confirm key messaging for the Be Tire Smart campaign going forward, and to identify a number of potential partners to help promote the importance of good tire maintenance practices.