Tire Maintenance Plays a Role in Air Quality and Affects the Environment

Greenville, SC— According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if all tires in the United States were properly inflated, it would save four million gallons of gasoline every day. In fact, significantly under-inflated tires can reduce gas mileage by one mile per gallon. Under inflation also reduces tire life and can affect vehicle performance and handling.

"We'd like to remind drivers that proper tire inflation can improve the environment and driving safety," said Ron Musgnug, North American project leader for Challenge Bibendum™.

"We are encouraging all drivers to check the air pressure in their tires. This simple step can have a significant positive impact on our air quality today — regardless of the type of vehicle a consumer is currently driving."

Properly maintained and inflated tires help the environment because they are more fuel efficient, which saves gas and lowers vehicle emissions. Gasoline emissions contribute to air pollution and global warming. Maximizing fuel economy can reduce the amount of particulates in the air while saving money on gasoline.

Safe driving and better environmental performance often go hand-in-hand. The progress being made to develop more environmentally positive vehicles will be measured and reported during the fifth Challenge Bibendum competition September 23-25, 2003 in Sonoma and San Francisco, California. Organized by Michelin, Challenge Bibendum is expected to attract nearly 100 vehicles from manufacturers around the world.