California adopts mandatory tyre pressure check regulation

ERJ staff report (R&PN)

Sacramento, California -- California auto repairers will be required to check tyre pressures on every vehicle they service starting July 1, 2010, thanks to a new regulation adopted by the California Air Resources Board.

Some 40,000 auto service providers will be subject to the rule, including smog check stations, engine repair facilities and oil service providers, CARB said in a press release. Car washes, body and paint facilities, and glass repair shops are exempt.

The Rubber Manufacturers Association-which has long promoted proper tyre inflation and maintenance through its “Be Tire Smart-Play Your P.A.R.T.” program”-endorsed the CARB decision.

Dan Zielinski, RMA senior vice president, said the regulation will help protect California's environment, help consumers save money in fuel and tire costs, and help Californians optimize vehicle safety.

The new rule will offer substantial benefits to California, according to CARB. The agency estimates that mandatory tyre pressure checks will eliminate 700,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from California's skies annually, as well as reducing annual fuel consumption by 75 million gallons and extending average tyre life by 4,700 miles.