Hankook advisory: Falling temperatures bring falling tire pressures

According to Hankook’s new Tire Gauge Index survey, 63 percent of the respondents checked their tire pressure within the last month. While nearly 8 in 10 drivers say they are aware that the change in seasons affects tire pressure, the tire maker is reminding motorists that falling temperatures mean falling tire air pressures, and it’s time to “Air ‘Em UP.” “The change of seasons is a good time to remember to check your tires for proper air pressure,” says Henry D. Kopacz, product marketing specialist. “In fact, every 10 degree drop in outside temperature can result in up to a 2 psi drop in tire pressure,” he reports.

“We want to remind consumers to check their pressure at least once a month, but especially during this time when the changing seasons can result in dramatic temperature shifts in some parts of the country, as well as slick conditions that can result from wet roads and falling leaves,” says Kopacz. While the vast majority believes that maintaining proper air pressure keeps them safe (80 percent) and saves money (77 percent), nearly one-third think that keeping their tires at the correct level is better for the environment. “The fact is, properly inflated tires, as opposed to underinflated, improve a tire’s rolling resistance performance, reducing energy loss and allowing a vehicle to use less fuel, which is better for the environment,” says Kopacz. “It’s encouraging that 31 percent of our respondents know that, but our goal is to educate more consumers about the environmental benefits of properly inflated tires.” More men (36 percent) than women (24 percent) say that a reason to keep good tire pressure is because it is better for the environment. As the survey probed more, data showed that while drivers understand the importance of checking their tire pressure when the seasons change, their knowledge of their vehicle’s ideal tire pressure was not as high. Just more than half (58 percent) were actually confident they knew what the ideal tire pressure was for their vehicle, inching slightly up from 53 percent when asked earlier in the year. “With everything else people have going on in their lives, it is understandable that knowing their ideal tire pressure is not top of mind and can be confusing,” says Kopacz. “Reading your vehicle’s owners’ manual is the best place to start. Once known, it is important to be an active participant in monitoring and addressing your vehicle’s tire pressure needs.”

According to the survey, 65 percent of respondents keep a tire gauge in their glove compartment. While the majority of drivers polled air up their own tires at a service station (61 percent), 28 percent opt to have someone else do it for them. A lesser amount of motorists (17 percent) have a means on hand at home or in their vehicle to air up their tires when necessary, according to Kopacz.

For more information, visit www.hankooktireusa.com.