The Arizona
Republic
Tire Sensors Now
Required On 2008 Vehicles
Vehicle-Safety Add-On
Will Monitor Inflation,
Warn Of Pressure Drop
Associated Press,
4-8-05
WASHINGTON - A light on instrument panels soon
will warn motorists when a tire is underinflated.
The safety regulation, issued by the government Thursday, has its roots in the Firestone tire recall of 2000. It requires new passenger cars by the 2008 model year to have systems to monitor tire pressure.
Automakers most likely will attach tiny sensors to each wheel that will signal if a tire falls 25 percent below the recommended inflation. If any of the four tires is underinflated, the sensor sets off a light.
The safety regulation, issued by the government Thursday, has its roots in the Firestone tire recall of 2000. It requires new passenger cars by the 2008 model year to have systems to monitor tire pressure.
Automakers most likely will attach tiny sensors to each wheel that will signal if a tire falls 25 percent below the recommended inflation. If any of the four tires is underinflated, the sensor sets off a light.
Automakers will begin using the technology in
September. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
estimates the upgrade will cost manufacturers $48.44 to $69.89 per
vehicle.
The government said underinflated tires affect a vehicle's fuel economy and can increase stopping distances, contribute to the likelihood of tire failure and lead to skidding on wet surfaces. One agency survey said 30 percent of cars and light trucks have at least one tire underinflated by 8 pounds per square inch or more.
The regulation affects passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks and minivans. All four-wheel vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less must be equipped by the 2008 model year, the government said.
The safety agency estimates that 120 lives a year will be saved when all new vehicles are equipped.
The government said underinflated tires affect a vehicle's fuel economy and can increase stopping distances, contribute to the likelihood of tire failure and lead to skidding on wet surfaces. One agency survey said 30 percent of cars and light trucks have at least one tire underinflated by 8 pounds per square inch or more.
The regulation affects passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks and minivans. All four-wheel vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less must be equipped by the 2008 model year, the government said.
The safety agency estimates that 120 lives a year will be saved when all new vehicles are equipped.
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