Winter tires: it's how we roll in Canada

For drivers wanting the safest winter driving experience, tire makers recommend winter tires

Toronto, November 24, 2009 , Nov.24 /CCNMatthews/ - The great Canadian winter is nearly upon us. Drivers from coast-to-coast are either changing over to winter tires, or trying to decide whether winter tires are right for them.

To help with this annual decision, Canada's tire makers are giving consumers the facts with a winter tire and driving brochure available free from participating tire retailers and online at the industry's tire education website betiresmart.ca.

In recent years, more and more drivers have chosen to invest in winter tires, and with good reason. Recent advances in winter tire technology offer motorists significant advantages, not just on snow or ice, but on cold dry road surfaces as well.

Rubber stiffens as temperatures get colder, reducing traction capability. Modern winter tire rubber compounds, however, keep their elasticity even at temperatures as cold as minus 30 degrees Celsius and lower. The result is superior traction and performance in all road conditions during winter compared to all-season or conventional summer tires.

"The idea that winter tires are only for snow or ice covered roads is old-fashioned thinking," says Glenn Maidment, President of the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC), which represents Canada's tire makers. "Drivers should think of winter tires as 'cold weather' tires that offer superior traction, braking and cornering in every winter driving condition, including dry surfaces. The surface grip advantage offered by winter tires becomes evident when temperatures fall below seven degrees Celsius. When you can see your breath, its time for winter tires."

Since the late 1970s, all-season tires have been a popular choice for Canadian drivers. Even though all-season tires can provide safe all-weather performance, drivers need to know that winter tires are more efficient once the temperature starts to fall. Winter tires offer up to 50 per cent more winter traction than all-seasons.

Canada's tire makers also advise motorists to use winter tires on all wheel positions. Using winter tires on the front or rear axle positions only can create a serious traction imbalance that can lead to a loss of control, particularly when cornering.

When shopping for winter tires, motorists should look for the "three peak mountain snowflake" on the sidewall. Only tires stamped with this distinctive symbol meet or exceed specific snow traction requirements established by the tire industry.

Another key to safe winter driving is proper tire inflation, which is more challenging to maintain in winter. Every five degree Celsius decrease in temperature results in a loss of about one psi in air pressure. A temperature drop of 15 degrees Celsius, for example, which can happen frequently in winter, typically results in 10 per cent under-inflation.

Tire under-inflation is a serious threat to vehicle safety. Under-inflated tires have a smaller footprint, which weakens their grip. The result is diminished braking and handling capabilities, not to mention significantly higher fuel bills due to increased rolling resistance.
Drivers should use a tire gauge to measure their air pressures monthly to ensure their tires are always inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation. Visual checks are not an accurate way to measure inflation.

Winter tire consumers should also remember that excessive tread wear can diminish traction. Tread depth should always be checked at the start of the winter driving season. Drivers who are unsure if their tires are overly worn should consult a tire professional.

Drivers can learn more about selecting and maintaining winter tires by visiting betiresmart.ca.

"Canada's tire makers offer a wide variety of excellent winter tires," says Maidment. "Drivers should consult with their local tire retailer to find the winter tire that is best suited to their driving habits and conditions. Motorists should also visit their tire retailer to get a copy of our brochure and learn more about how advances in winter tire technology have made the winter driving environment a safer place to be."

When measuring tire inflation, a gaze is no substitute for a gauge.

When measuring tire inflation, a gaze is no substitute for a gauge
Measuring and maintaining correct tire inflation with a tire gauge is a road safety
essential.

Under-inflation is the most common cause of tire failure and can lead to poor or delayed braking, steering or acceleration; not surprising when you consider that the air contained in tires supports about 95 per cent of a vehicle’s weight.

Tires that are under-inflated have a smaller footprint on the road surface, which weakens their grip. The result is reduced stopping, cornering and handling capabilities that worsen with the severity of under-inflation. Seriously under-inflated tires can also fail suddenly due to extreme heat build up.

Beyond obeying the speed limit and driving defensively, motorists can protect themselves and their families by measuring their tires’ inflation levels monthly to ensure they are always inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation.
“Our research shows clearly that tire under-inflation is both widespread and a significant safety issue,” says Glenn Maidment, President of the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC), which represents Canada’s tire makers. “Tire makers build incredible performance capabilities into their tires to give motorists a safe and enjoyable driving experience. But it is up to vehicle owners to ensure that they properly inflate and maintain their tires, so they perform as their builders intended.”

According to RAC research, nearly one quarter of Canadian drivers have at least one tire that is severely under-inflated by more than 20 percent, and nearly 70 per cent drive on one or more tires that are under-inflated by more than 10 percent. Improperly inflated tires also wear faster and use more fuel due to increased rolling resistance.

Research by Natural Resources Canada, for example, has found that the average Canadian motorist wastes about two weeks worth of fuel a year due to tire under-inflation. Depending on your driving habits, the price tag for this wasted fuel can add up to hundreds of dollars.

Here is the monthly four-step approach to proper tire inflation recommended by tire makers as part of the industry’s Be Tire Smart campaign to advance road safety, environmental protection and fuel economy:

- Find the recommended inflation pressure for your tires. It will be listed on the vehicle placard most commonly located on the inside post of one of the doors, in the glove compartment or on the fuel door. If you cannot find your vehicle’s placard, consult your owner’s manual.

- Remember to only measure pressure when your tires are cold. If you have been driving, wait three hours before measuring tire pressure.

- Use only a reliable tire gauge. Remove the cap from the valve stem, press the tire gauge onto the valve and take the pressure reading.

- Add air until the recommended air pressure is achieved. If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the centre of the valve, then re-measure the pressure.

Too many drivers think a visual check will tell them if their tire pressures are correct. A tire can be under-inflated by 20 percent or more and not look noticeably different. The only accurate way to measure a tire’s air pressure is with a reliable gauge, which can be purchased for a few dollars. Another common mistake is assuming that the maximum pressure stamped on the tire’s sidewall is right for everyday driving. That inflation level refers to the maximum inflation pressure the tire can contain under maximum load and is not the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended air pressure for normal driving conditions. Always use the air pressure stipulated by the vehicle placard.

“Proper tire inflation, coupled with regular tire maintenance, helps protect your family,” says Maidment. “Regular inflation checks will also prolong the life of your tires, cut your fuel bills and reduce harmful emissions. Monitoring and, if necessary, adjusting your tire inflation levels each month is a smart play no matter how you look at it.”

To learn more about proper tire maintenance, visit the Be Tire Smart – Play your P.A.R.T. website at www.betiresmart.ca. Be Tire Smart – Play Your P.A.R.T. is an advocacy campaign designed to educate the motoring public about the benefits of proper tire inflation and maintenance. The campaign is a joint initiative of the Rubber Association of Canada, which represents the tire industry, and Natural
Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency.

Ontario Tire Industry Rolls Out Recycling Program

Program means free tire disposal for consumers, elimination of stockpiles and $23 million investment in the first year in the scrap tire recycling industry in Ontario

TORONTO, Sept. 2 /Press Release from CNW/ - A new tire recycling program rolling out in Ontario will bring new life to the millions of used tires that come off vehicles in the province every year by responsibly recycling them into useful products, creating investment and new green jobs, driving innovation. The Used Tires Program is being funded by the tire industry, and managed by Ontario Tire Stewardship.

Through a network of Registered Collectors - which includes retailers, municipalities and other drop-off points across the province - the program will allow Ontarians to drop off up to four used tires per person, at no charge, to be collected and recycled. Tracking systems will help eliminate the illegal dumping of scrap tires and ensure that used tires are managed by service providers that have adopted best environmental practices.

"Ontario's Used Tires Program marks the most ambitious used tire program in the country," said Andrew Horsman, Executive Director of Ontario Tire Stewardship. "The Program will remove tire stockpiles, recycle tires into household, commercial and automotive products, and create green jobs and economic benefits right here in our province."

The Used Tires Program includes a three-year plan to eliminate the approximately 2.8 million stockpiled tires in dumpsites across Ontario, as well as ensure that the approximately 11 million plus scrap tires generated annually are diverted from burning and land filling to other uses, such as rubber mats, playground products, hockey rinks and automotive parts, adding to the everyday life and economy of Ontario's communities. Until now, approximately 50 percent of Ontario's used tires were trucked into the US to be burned.

How the Used Tires Program benefits Ontario and its residents

Environmental Benefits:

- Responsible management of used tires will eliminate the unauthorized disposal of scrap tires and promote reusing tires and recycling of scrap tires into green products.

Economic Growth:

- The Used Tires Program will create jobs and ensure economic growth by injecting over $23 million in scrap tire recycling in the first year alone.

Health and Safety:

- Ontario Tire Stewardship will clear stockpiles protecting both Ontarians and the environment.

Innovation:

- Funding for research and development of scrap tire management options to create new processes and markets for recycled rubber products within the province.

The Used Tires Program is funded by tire brand owners and tire importers, not the taxpayer. The program funding covers the costs associated with collecting and recycling all future and currently stockpiled scrap tires in Ontario, as well as research and development, and consumer education.

About Ontario Tire Stewardship:

Ontario Tire Stewardship (www.ontarioTS.ca) is an Industry Funded Organization implementing and operating the approved Used Tires Program, a province-wide scrap tire solution for on-road and off-road tires supplied into the Ontario market, diverting them away from burning and land filling to reuse and recycling.

For further information: To arrange an interview with an Ontario Tire Stewardship representative please contact: Primary Contact: Carrie Makrigiannis, (416) 969-2750, cmakrigiannis@environicspr.com; Secondary Contact: Jennifer Hills, (416) 969-2669, jhills@environicspr.com

2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid Travels Ontario to educate motorists

After launching its pilot project in July 2008, the Be Tire Smart campaign 'mobile project' is back on the road. Travelling to a variety of community, cultural and automotive related events (car shows and tire dealer events), across Ontario, the mobile project team educates Canadian drivers about the importance of proper tire maintenance and the importance of measuring tire pressure monthly. The goal is to reach as many people as possible through motivating them to change their tire maintenance practices. The mobile project team communicates with event patrons by placing emphasis that tires are often the most neglected parts of a vehicle despite the fact that they are among the most important and easily cared for.

The Be Tire Smart- Play Your P.A.R.T mobile project functions as a narrow cast marketing project in that it reaches a defined target audience (Canadian drivers). The mobile project team disseminates specific and defined key messages to consumer audiences through community based social marketing. Through engaging members of each community that the mobile project visits, residents learn how they can play a part in contributing to a greener future, reduced fuel consumption and much safer roads. It is important to note that when members of a community use resources wisely -by each doing their part- it moves toward sustainability. To promote a more sustainable future, it is essential to know how to encourage individuals and organizations to adopt activities that collectively promote sustainability.

Through a combination of tire education and community outreach, the mobile project team initiates direct, meaningful intercepts with patrons at events, which includes but is not limited to: new parents, university and high school students, (who comprise the newer driver population), seniors, car enthusiasts, automotive industry members and new immigrants, all of whom will need to purchase tires in the future. It is through connecting with individuals on a one-to-one basis that they are given the chance to recognize that by adopting a few simple tire maintenance practices, they as individuals can increase their vehicle's fuel efficiency, reduce harmful emissions, save money and make their vehicle safer.

As the trade association for Canadian Rubber Manufacturers and importers of rubber goods, it is essential that we promote responsible, correct use of our products. Through the effective use of community based social marketing, the Be Tire Smart program also provides significant benefit to industry Stakeholders. Through increased community involvement, industry members express a high level of Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Citizenship in a marketplace that is becoming increasingly more environmentally and socially aware.

At events, the project team demonstrates how to locate the correct tire pressure on a vehicle and how to measure tire pressure on the Be Tire Smart Hybrid vehicle. In addition to proper tire pressure the patrons are encouraged to:
Have their tires aligned annually.
Rotate their tires regularly.
Monitor tread wear and replace tires when the tire tread is worn out.
Conduct a visual check for embedded stones, glass and other foreign objects that could work their way into the tire and cause a leak.

Free tire pressure gauges and tread wear indicators are also distributed. Event patrons are encouraged to take part in a short tire maintenance survey for the chance to win a set of four new tires (Original Equipment -OE for their personal vehicle). We strongly encourage participation as the information provided serves as an important measure of what people know and what they are doing with their tires.

The Be Tire Smart - Play Your P.A.R.T. campaign is funded by the twelve tire manufacturer company members of The Rubber Association of Canada, in collaboration with the Government of Canada under the leadership of Natural Resources Canada's Office of Energy Efficiency.

Great Question

Question:
Hello,

I'm writing to inquire about proper measurement of tire pressure for my car. I'm mostly concerned about when the tire pressure should be measured. My vehicle placard calls for 35 psi, (or 240 kPa) which is about what was in the tires when I purchased the car. I have inflated the tires to a 35 psi when the tires are cold (ie: approximately 15-20 degrees celcius, after not being driven on). My question is whether this is the correct baseline to use with respect to the vehicle placard suggestion of 35 psi. For instance, on a nice sunny day driving 100 km/h on a highway for a couple of hours the tire pressure will be up to around 38 psi while driving. Is this something I should be concerned about? In a nutshell, does the 35 psi on the placard refer to the ideal pressure when cold, or the ideal pressure when driving?

Thanks

Answer:

Your question is a good one. It is important that when you measure and adjust your tire pressure, that you do it when your tires are cold which means the vehicle was parked overnight or at least 3 hours or it has not been driven for more than two kilometers. The recommended pressure on the vehicle placard assumes a cold tire pressure measurement. The fluctuation in pressure that you observe after driving on the highway is nothing to worry about and it normal as the flexing of the tire creates heat that will expand the moisture in the air that is in the tire. The 35 psi you see on the placard is the ideal pressure for the vehicle when it has been parked or not driven for more then 2 km.

Proper tire inflation fights climate change, lowers fuel bills

It would take a boreal forest almost one and a half times the size of Prince Edward Island to absorb the carbon released annually as a result of the excess fuel consumed due to under-inflated tires in Canada.

Toronto, May 11, 2009 – By taking a few simple actions each month to ensure their tires are properly inflated, Canadian motorists can lower harmful vehicle emissions of carbon dioxide by one million tonnes each year and save an estimated $579 million in unnecessary fuel bills, according to data from Natural Resources Canada.

Unless drivers take action, motorists will likely burn an extra 643 million litres of fuel in 2009 because one or more of their tires are under-inflated. That is enough squandered fuel to fill 257 Olympic size swimming pools.

To counter this environmental threat, The Rubber Association of Canada (RAC), which represents Canada’s tire makers, is working to educate motorists about the environmental and fuel economy benefits of proper tire inflation and regular maintenance.

May 11 to 17, 2009, is National Be Tire Smart Week, during which the tire industry, including retailers, distributors and manufacturers, will be reminding motorists to use a reliable tire gauge monthly to ensure their tires are inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation.

A tire that is substantially under-inflated does not roll as smoothly or as easily as it was intended. This diminishes fuel efficiency because increased rolling resistance causes the vehicle to burn more fuel, which increases both emissions and fuel costs.

According to an RAC survey, on any given day nearly 70 percent of personal vehicles on Canada’s roadways will have at least one tire that is over or under-inflated. Most disturbingly, 23 percent will have at least one tire seriously under-inflated by more than 20 percent, which is also a safety hazard. The study also showed that only one in two Canadian motorists measure their tires’ pressure monthly or more frequently.

“For Canadian drivers who care about the environment – not to mention fuel savings and safety – there is no easier way to fight climate change than measuring tire pressure monthly,” says Glenn Maidment, President of the RAC. “Gaining the best possible tire-related fuel economy and performance is easy for motorists who take the time to perform a few simple procedures to ensure their tires are always properly inflated.”

Canadians can learn more about Be Tire Smart Week and the importance of proper tire inflation and maintenance by visiting www.betiresmart.ca.

Here are some tire inflation tips for motorists who want to minimize their vehicle’s emissions and cut fuel bills:

1. Invest in a reliable tire gauge. The only accurate way to know if tires need to be inflated or deflated is by measuring their pressure with a reliable gauge monthly. Too many drivers make the mistake of thinking a visual check will tell them if their tire pressures are correct. A tire can be under or over inflated by 20 percent or more and not be noticeable.

2. Always inflate tires to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation. The right tire pressure by wheel position is listed on the vehicle placard, which is located on one of the vehicle’s inside door posts, or inside the glove compartment or fuel door. Never use the tire pressure stamped on the sidewall. That pressure refers to the maximum pressure a tire can contain under maximum load. If you experience difficulty locating your vehicle placard, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for its location.

3. Tire pressure should only be measured when the vehicle has been stationary for at least three hours, or has not been driven more than two kilometres. Tires heat up when rolling, so if they are measured after driving more than two kilometres, the result will be an inaccurate reading.

“By following a few simple rules, motorists can significantly reduce green house gases and save their money,” says Maidment. “During National Be Tire Smart Week, drivers should make a point to drop by their local tire retailers to learn from the tire professionals how to make sure their tires are always properly inflated and maintained.”

Be Tire Smart Week is an advocacy campaign designed to enable tire retailers to play a leadership role in educating the motoring public about the benefits of proper tire inflation and maintenance. The campaign is a joint initiative of the Rubber Association of Canada, which represents the tire industry, and Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency. Be Tire Smart – Play Your P.A.R.T.

Tire Service Life - Chronological Age alone cannot cause tire failure

I've received many questions with regards to an ABC News story from April on tire aging and tires sold in Canada. Questions regarding tires sold in Canada are difficult for me to comment on as I represent the manufacturers and only keep track of tire sizes and shipments across the country. I can definitely comment on the issue and provide you comments from industry within the United States and Canada as well. The question of tire age and aging and its affect on service life is as some of you know quite a loaded subject. Some vehicle manufacturers have said 6 years, some 7 years, for a brief time the European Tire & Rim Association went from saying there is no age limit to 10 years and back to there is no age limit. All that to say that there are too many factors involved to put a number to it.

The RAC is not aware of scientific or technical data that establishes or identifies a specific minimum or maximum service life for passenger and light truck tires based on chronological age. However, in some cases a tire or vehicle manufacturer may make a specific tire replacement recommendation regarding its products. If so, the consumer should consult the manufacturer with any questions with regard to following the recommendation. Further, any such recommendation should not be considered a minimum serviceable life for the tire.

Tire Service Life

The serviceability of a tire over time is a function of the storage conditions (temperature, humidity, position etc) and service conditions (load, speed, inflation pressure, road hazard damage, etc) to which a tire is subjected throughout its life. Since these conditions vary widely, accurately predicting the serviceable life of a tire in advance is not possible. The older a tire, the greater the change that it will need to be replaced due to service-related conditions found upon inspection by a tire service professional.

Tires should be removed from service for several different reasons, including tread worn down to minimum depth, signs of damage (cuts, cracks, bulges, etc) or signs of abuse (under inflation or overloading, etc) That is why we recommend to have all tires (including retreaded and spare tires) fitted to light trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, recreational vehicles, passengers cars and trailers towed by such vehicles, inspected regularly.

The tire industry continues to support the consumer's role in the regular care and maintenance of their tires. Be Tire Smart - Play Your P.A.R.T. is the formula. A monthly maintenance inspection by the consumer for proper inflation pressure and tread wear should be supplemented by recurring rotation, balancing and alignment services.

Tire Storage guidelines for manufacturers, distributors, retailers and consumers and other conditions of tire service life

Tires should always be stored in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place. Avoid storing tires in areas that are exposed to wetness, petroleum or petroleum-based products, extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and/or other sources of ozone, such as electric motors. Storage areas should also be clean and free of grease, gasoline or any corrosive chemicals which can deteriorate the rubber.

If a vehicle is fitted with a matching full-size spare tire (same size and type as other in-service tires) the consumer should follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for rotating the spare tire. When any spare tire is placed into service, its inflation pressure must be checked immediately.

Consumers are strongly encouraged to be aware not only of their tires’ visual condition but also of any change in dynamic performance such as increased air loss, noise or vibration. Such a change in performance could be an indication of an internal condition that might dictate removing the tires from service immediately to prevent a tire failure. In these cases, The RAC recommends that consumers consult a tire service professional.

The RAC has always leaned on the side of education rather than legislation. I myself as a consumer always prefer having the ultimate choice in any situation and that means education is best to allow me to make an informed choice.

Ontario Environment Minister Approves Used Tire Plan

April 9, 2009

In a speech delivered at the Waste Diversion Ontario Annual General Meeting today the Ontario Minister of the Environment, the Honorable John Gerretsen, announced the approval of the Ontario Used Tire Program Plan, launching the most ambitious used tire stewardship program in the country.

The Used Tire Program Plan will implement a managed scrap tire solution for On-road and Off-road tires supplied into the Ontario market, diverting these tires away from burning and landfilling to 3R’s processing that will see them reused and recycled into tire derived products (TDPs) such as under-the-hood automotive products, flooring, sports fields, play ground surfaces and construction-related equipment and materials.

The program is funded by Brand Owners and First Importers of tires supplied into the Ontario market, including tire manufacturers, retailers and vehicle manufacturers, who remit a Tire Stewardship Fee (TSF) to OTS for every tire supplied into the Province. These fees will be used by OTS to operate the Used Tire program, including the collection, transporting and processing costs of used tires, including those in stockpiles.

The program will manage all 12 million tires sold in Ontario annually, and will track the tires from collection at over 10,000 points across the province to their sale as tire-derived products, and includes an aggressive three year plan to eliminate the approximately 2.8 million stockpiled tires in 90 sites across Ontario.

“We are pleased with the Minister’s decision to approve the Used Tires Program Plan.” said Glenn Maidment, President of the Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) Board, “We are very pleased to see the tire industry showing leadership on this important issue by accepting responsibility for end-of-life management of used tires. In approving the Plan, the Minister facilitates significant investment in Ontario businesses handling used tires in environmentally-beneficial ways, creating jobs and a green economy for future generations of Ontarians.”

In the first year the program will inject over $22 million into the Ontario-based scrap tire processing industry, supporting Ontario-based processors as they invest in their businesses to increase capacity, adopt new scrap tire processing technologies, and create new “green” jobs in the Province.

With today’s approval OTS will be moving forward to implement the Used Tire program, with September 1st 2009 being the official launch date. For more information on the Used Tire program, or to submit questions on the program, visit www.ontariotirestewardship.org , or contact:

Glenn Maidment
Ontario Tire Stewardship Chair
905-814-1714

Are you a past Big Brother or Big Sister? Maybe a Little?

If you were ever involved with Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Canada then BBBSAlumni.ca wants to hear from you. Tell them your story for your chance to win a 100$ gift certificate to the Keg Stakehouse and Bar. Re-connect and read how your involvement has changed the life of so many.

FREE MP3/Audio for Tire Retailers and Radio Stations

For those wanting to be the very best, wanting to be leaders in their community, tire manufacturing members of The Rubber Association of Canada invite you to promote proper tire maintenances practices by using our professionally created MP3 audio files which can be easily modified to include your retail name at the end of each clip. Use these clips in your advertising or even on your phone systems when your clients are on hold.

• radio ad/psa - Drive Through (mp3: 845 Kb)
• radio ad/psa - Super Star (mp3: 828 Kb)
• radio ad/psa - Tire Smart (mp3: 804 Kb)
• radio ad/psa - Traffic (mp3: 831 Kb)
• radio ad/psa - Write Answer (mp3: 846 Kb)

VISIT www.betiresmart.ca today!

Welcome to my new BLOG!

I would like to welcome all my followers to my new BLOG where we will talk a lot about tires. Blogging will however not be limited to tires as I have invited a good mix of authors to speak on safety, family, vehicle maintenance and much more... Stay tuned.