Canadian motorists understand proper tire inflation improves fuel economy and optimizes electric vehicle range as they navigate higher cost of living: survey
01 Mayo 2024 - 7:00AM
High fuel prices and a growing electric vehicle (EV) market are
keeping efficiency and range top of mind for Canadian drivers,
according to a new Leger survey for the Tire and Rubber Association
of Canada (TRAC; tracanada.ca).
TRAC commissioned the survey to gauge attitudes and
knowledge around the impacts of proper tire inflation on both
internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and EVs. Over three
quarters (77 per cent) of motorists know that correctly inflated
tires improve fuel economy, lessen vehicle emissions, and protect
the environment. Sixty-two per cent understand proper tire
inflation plays an important role in optimizing EV range.
The survey also found that 36 per cent of drivers
are now considering an EV on their next purchase. Among drivers
aged 18 to 34 the number of motorists considering an EV rises to 48
per cent. The latest Statistics Canada data shows EVs now account
for 10.8 per cent of all new motor vehicle registrations.
The survey also underscores the continuing impact
of high fuel prices and the cost-of- living crisis on summer
driving plans. Almost six in ten drivers (58 per cent) say
financial pressures will likely force them to cancel or limit road
trips this summer. That number jumps to 66 per cent among drivers
aged 18 to 34, and 62 per cent for motorists aged 35 to 54.
“Canadian motorists are well-aware of the crucial
role tire maintenance plays in optimizing efficiency and EV range,”
says Carol Hochu, president of TRAC. “However, our findings reveal
a pressing need for more education about how to do tire care right.
This is especially true among younger drivers, who show a
heightened interest in EVs but lack essential tire maintenance
knowledge. It’s time to empower all drivers with the know-how to
keep their journeys both efficient and safe. Tire maintenance is
one of the simplest and fastest car care tasks drivers can perform
to keep their vehicles and families safe on the road.”
Key Findings
- 81 per cent believe today’s financial
pressures related to high living costs has made proper tire
inflation more important than ever
- Nearly all (95 per cent) understand
proper tire inflation is essential to vehicle safety
However, despite high awareness of the importance
of proper tire inflation, the survey found major – and potentially
dangerous – gaps in knowledge about how to measure and set the
correct tire inflation level, particularly among younger drivers,
who are more likely to purchase an EV.
- Only 24 per cent of drivers check
their tire inflation pressures monthly as recommended by tire
makers; only 18 per cent among drivers aged 18 to 34.
- 62 per cent are unaware inflation
pressures should only be measured when tires are cold; 69 per cent
among drivers aged 18 to 34. (A vehicle should be stationary for at
least three hours or not have been driven more than two kilometres
prior to checking tire inflation. Measuring pressures when tires
are warm gives an inaccurate reading.)
- 32 per cent improperly refer to the
air pressure stamped on the tire’s sidewall when identifying the
correct pressure for their tires. (The imprinted sidewall pressure
is the maximum pressure a tire can contain under maximum load, not
the recommended inflation level. Prolonged driving at this
inflation pressure may result in uneven tread wear and reduced
traction. The correct inflation pressure for your tires is on the
vehicle placard, which is commonly located on the driver’s door
jamb.)
- 12 per cent either rely on visual
inspections or do not know how to determine if their tires are
properly inflated; 19 per cent among drivers aged 18 to 34. (A tire
can be underinflated by 20 per cent or more and look normal.)
Impact of tire pressure on fuel
economyIndustry studies show motorists can improve their
gas mileage by 0.6 per cent on average – up to 3 per cent in some
cases – simply by keeping their tires inflated to the vehicle
manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Additionally, underinflated
tires can lower gas mileage by about 0.2 per cent for each one PSI
drop in the average pressure of all tires. Driving a vehicle with
just one tire underinflated by 56 kPa (8 PSI) can increase vehicle
fuel consumption by 4 per cent.
Learn more about how drivers can maximize the safety,
performance, and longevity of their tires by visiting
tracanada.ca/consumers.
Survey methodologyA survey of 1,529 Canadian
drivers was completed between March 29 and April 1, 2024, using
Leger’s online panel. A probability sample of the same size would
yield a margin of error of +/-2.5%, 19 times out of 20.
About the Tire and Rubber Association of
CanadaThe Tire and Rubber Association of Canada
(tracanada.ca) is the national trade association representing tire
makers, rubber products manufacturers and importers as well as
rubber recyclers and suppliers of goods and services related to the
industry. TRAC helps shape public policy that supports tire and
rubber industry innovation, performance, safety, and sustainability
including end-of-life tire management.
Media Contact:Michelle MageeSenior Consultant, Xposure
PRmichelle@xposurepr.com