Feds Propose Tire Pressure Monitors

September 16, 2004
The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is proposing a new safety standard to warn the driver when a tire is significantly under-inflated. Tire manufacturers say the system would not provide a timely warning.

The proposal requires manufacturers to install a four-tire Tire Pressure Monitoring System that is capable of detecting when a tire is more than 25 percent under-inflated and warning the driver.

The new standard also proposes to require a tire-pressure malfunction indicator, which would warn the driver when the system is not working properly. For example, tires might be installed on the vehicle that are incompatible with the pressure monitor, or other problems might cause the monitor to become inoperative.

The tire pressure monitor would be is a safety warning system and not a substitute for regular tire pressure maintenance by drivers, the agency said. Operating a vehicle with substantially under-inflated tires can result in a tire failure, such as instances of tread separation and blowouts, with the potential for a loss of control. Under-inflated tires also shorten tire life and increase fuel consumption.

The new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard would apply to passenger cars, trucks, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and buses with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, except those vehicles with dual wheels on an axle.

This department proposes the following three-year phase-in schedule:

• In the first model year, beginning Sept. 1, 2005, 50 percent of all light vehicles manufactured would comply.
• In the second model year, beginning Sept. 1, 2006, 90 percent of all light vehicles manufactured would comply.
• After Sept. 1, 2007, all light vehicles manufactured would comply.

But the Rubber Manufacturers Association, a trade group that represents tire makers, says the proposed rule is flawed and warned that the pressure monitor might increase the risk of tire failures by not providing a timely warning.

"Safety should be the overriding priority for this regulation," said Donald B. Shea, president and CEO of RMA. "A tire pressure monitor that doesn't provide a timely low-pressure warning to motorists is not enhancing safety."

RMA says that a 25 percent drop in a tire's recommended pressure may be insufficient to safely carry a fully loaded vehicle. Under NHTSA's proposed standard, motorists could be driving for thousands of miles on tires that are appreciably underinflated but still not receive a warning.

Driving on underinflated tires causes excessive heat buildup in tires that, over time, can result in hidden damage that can cause tire failure.

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.

Share		Follow us on Twitter.

Back to the top |

Terms of Use Your use of this site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use

Advertisements on this site are placed and controlled by outside advertising networks. ConsumerAffairs.com does not evaluate or endorse the products and services advertised. See the FAQ for more information.

Company Response Welcome If complaints about your company appear on our site, we welcome your response. Please see the Response Form for more information.

For more information, see the FAQ and privacy policy. The information on this Web site is general in nature and is not intended as a substitute for competent legal advice.  ConsumerAffairs.com Inc. makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information herein provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from the use thereof. 

Copyright © 2003-2009 ConsumerAffairs.com Inc.  All Rights Reserved.    The contents of this site may not be republished, reprinted, rewritten or recirculated without written permission.