Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Chester Gillan is encouraging Island drivers to check the tire pressure on their vehicles.
The department's Young Environmentalist Program is mounting a tire pressure campaign this week to increase awareness that tire pressure should be checked on a regular basis. Over- or under-inflated tires can adversely affect safety, cause premature tire wear, reduce fuel economy and impact on the environment.
"Tires require regular maintenance, and checking tire pressure is a vital part of that maintenance routine that is often overlooked," said Minister Gillian, noting that Transport Canada studies show 70 per cent of the tires on the road are under-inflated.
"I encourage Island drivers to become familiar with the proper tire pressure for their vehicle and to make a habit of checking tire pressure with a tire gauge at least once a month."
An over-inflated tire wears on the centre of the treads, whereas an under- inflated tire wears on the outside of the treads and can reduce the life of the tire by 10,000 kilometres. As well, tires that are only five pounds per square inch (psi) below recommended inflation pressure can decrease gas mileage by 10 per cent. In turn, this increased fuel consumption contributes to increased carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon dioxide is the principle greenhouse gas.
"Maintaining proper tire pressure is one simple way Islanders can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change," said Minister Gillan. "Statistics show that if every Canadian motorist maintained correct tire pressure we would prevent 552,125 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere."
Staff of the Young Environmentalist Program are conducting tire pressure checks on vehicles parked in the area of the provincial government buildings in Charlottetown this week. Results are being recorded and posted with an information flyer on windshields of participating vehicles.
The Young Environmentalist Program is a summer program of the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment that trains high school and university students to do environmental protection and enhancement work. For more information about the program or about tire pressure, contact the department at (902) 368-5000.
TIPS FOR CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE:
• Check tire pressure at least once a month. This is particularly important during the winter, as tire pressure usually drops about one pound for every 10 degrees the temperature falls.
• Tire pressure will increase while driving so it is important to check tire pressure when tires are "cold" – when the car has been stationary for at least three hours or has not been driven more than two kilometres. Recommended tire pressure is always expressed as "cold tire pressure."
• It is advisable to purchase your own pocket tire pressure gauge to ensure accurate and consistent readings.
• The vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure for front, rear and spare tires can be found on the tire information label, which is usually located inside the driver's door frame. If it's not there, check the owner's manual or call the dealer.
The pressure marked on the tire itself is the maximum pressure and is not likely to be the same as the manufacturer's recommended pressure.