In support of National Tire Safety Week, sponsored by the Rubber Manufacturers Association and being held June 2 to 8, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems is stressing the importance of proper tire inflation and monitoring among commercial vehicle operations.
“Because tire care, inflation, and maintenance are crucial to vehicle safety, Bendix has long focused on developing methods for warning fleets and drivers of tire-related problems before they pose a safety hazard,” said Jon Intagliata, product manager for Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) at Bendix, which monitors pressure and temperature of tractor and trailer tires.
Intagliata added that National Tire Safety Week is aimed at raising consumer awareness about tire safety and fuel economy for cars and trucks, focusing on the simple steps that all vehicle operators – from motorists to fleets – can take to ensure their tires are in good working condition.
For example, he noted that tires driven while significantly underinflated experience increased higher stress levels and higher temperatures, which increases the risk of failure. Industry statistics show that 90% of blowouts are caused by underinflation, Intagliata pointed out.
Proper tire pressure management also helps fleets address the increasing costs of fuel and tires, he said, noting that underinflation by as little as 10% can result in a 1.5% drop in fuel economy – which can increase fuel spending by up to $1,000 per year for a single truck. Underinflation by 20% can also result in a 30% reduction in tire life, Intagliata added.
