Inflation, high costs put the brakes on summer road trips

CAMBRIDGE, Ontario — The relatively high cost of fuel and concerns about inflation likely will lead to reduced travel this summer throughout Canada, according to the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC).

Nearly two-thirds (65%) of drivers who responded to a recent TRAC-commissioned survey said financial pressures likely will force them to cancel or limit road trips this summer. Among drivers aged 18 to 34 that number jumps to 73% and 72% for motorists aged 35 to 54.

"Our survey exposes the extent of harsh financial stresses impacting Canadian motorists and the need for more education on how to gain optimal fuel efficiency from tires," TRAC President Carol Hochu said.

"While Canada's drivers are highly aware of the importance of proper tire inflation, there are major gaps in their knowledge about when and how to ensure tire pressures are always correct. By taking the time to learn a few simple techniques, motorists can save at the pumps, be eco-friendly, and experience the exceptional performance tire makers want every driver to have."

The survey was conducted by Leger Marking Inc. over a four-day period, April 6-9, and involved 1,517 Canadian drivers. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/-2.5%, 19 times out of 20.

TRAC is using the survey results to focus attention on proper tire care and the effects of proper inflation on fuel economy.

According to TRAC, industry studies show motorists can improve their gas mileage by 0.6% average — up to 3% in certain cases — by keeping their tires inflated to the vehicle maker's recommended pressure.

On the flip side, TRAC said underinflated tires can lower gas mileage by about 0.2% for each 1 PSI drop in the average pressure of all tires. Driving a vehicle with just one tire underinflated by 8 PSI can increase vehicle fuel consumption by 4%.

The survey also reveals that 55% of drivers are unaware tire makers offer a variety of low rolling-resistance-optimized tires designed to improve vehicle fuel efficiency by up to 4%.

The survey finds just 40% of Canadian motorists are aware these fuel-efficient tires are widely available and 16% have equipped their vehicles with these specialty tires.

"Drivers feeling the pinch of high fuel and living costs may be better positioned than they think to lower their fuel bills," Hochu said. "Fuel-efficient tires, particularly when used in combination with monthly inflation checks and fuel-friendly driving habits such as maintaining a steady speed, accelerating gently and coasting to decelerate, deliver significant savings and substantially lighten a driver's carbon footprint."

Despite overall a 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.

• Only 22% drivers check their tire inflation pressures monthly as recommended by tire makers.
• 61% are unaware inflation pressures should only be measured when tires are cold. (A vehicle should be stationary for at least three hours or not have been driven more than two kilometers prior to checking tire inflation.)
• One-third refer to the air pressure stamped on the tire's sidewall when identifying the correct pressure for their tires, instead of looking at the vehicle maker's recommended pressure placard located on the driver's side door on I the door jamb.

The pressure value imprinted on the sidewall is the maximum pressure a tire can contain under maximum load, TRAC noted, not the recommended inflation level. Prolonged driving at this inflation pressure may result in uneven tread wear and reduced traction.