RMA: 'Drivers with tire pressure monitoring systems will check psi levels even less'

Aug. 21, 2003

Motorists will check air pressure levels in their tires 25% less often if their vehicles are equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA).

Two-thirds of respondents to a recent RMA survey said they would be "less concerned with routinely maintaining recommended tire pressure" if their vehicles had psi monitoring systems.

One-third of drivers who currently check their psi levels once a month "would not check as frequently with a TMPS-equipped vehicle."

More than one in three drivers say they would not check inflation with a tire gauge until a TPMS warning light came on.

More than 30% of respondents say they would "sometimes ignore" a TPMS warning light.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a regulation last year mandating TPMS in new vehicles starting with the 2004 model year. TPMS would have to warn drivers when tire pressure fell 25% or 30% below the vehicle manufacturer's recommended level.