Tires are often the most neglected part of a vehicle. They should be checked regularly – at least once a month. Tires are your only contact with the pavement. Without good tires that are properly inflated, your vehicle won’t accelerate, brake or steer properly. Other safety devices such as antilock braking systems, traction control systems and stability control systems may not function correctly with tires that are not properly inflated. By following a few simple steps, you will increase your own safety. You will also improve on fuel economy and prolong the life of your tires, both of which will help to save energy and therefore reduce your vehicle’s impact on the environment.
Critical safety and environmental information for you and your tires
Your vehicle’s tires are engineered to perform safely, day in and day out. But to do their job right, tires need regular maintenance. This pamphlet provides the information you need to maintain your tires properly. Proper tire maintenance is not only critical to the safe operation of your vehicle, but will also:
- Improve fuel economy;
- Extend tire life;
- Provide better vehicle handling;
- Help to prevent avoidable breakdowns and collisions; and
- Reduce exhaust emissions that contribute to environmental and health problems.
Without proper maintenance, such as correct inflation pressure, tires could suddenly fail, causing you to lose control of your vehicle.
Inflating Your Tires
The tire and rim assembly is an air chamber that, when inflated to the proper pressure, supports the weight of the vehicle. Since the air pressure supports 95% of the weight, inflation is a critical part of a tire’s ability to perform.
You can’t tell if your tires have enough air just by looking at them. Even though they may look fine, they may be underinflated by as much as 20%. According to a recent study, about 50% of the vehicles on the road in Canada have at least one tire that is either over or underinflated by more than 10%. In fact, 10% of all vehicles surveyed had at least one tire underinflated by 20%. This represents a real safety issue.
Underinflation increases rolling resistance, which reduces tread life and increases fuel consumption. It can also lead to sudden tire failure. Without enough air, the sides of a tire bend and flex too much. This builds up heat, which can cause serious damage. Operating a vehicle with just one tire underinflated by 56kPa (8psi) can reduce the life of the tire by 15,000km and can increase the vehicle’s fuel consumption by 4%.
Underinflation is the number one enemy of a tire. Operating an underinflated or overloaded tire at highway speeds on a warm summer day is a recipe for tire failure.
- Be sure to measure the inflation pressure of your tires, including your spare, at least once a month. While doing so, take a moment to ensure that the tire is securely fastened to the vehicle.
- Don’t overload your vehicle.
- Find the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressures for your front, rear and spare tires. The recommended pressures are printed on the vehicle’s tire information label, which is usually attached to the edge of the driver’s door, the door post, the glove box or the fuel door. If you can’t find the label, check your owner’s manual.
- Use a good-quality gauge to measure the pressure of each tire. The pocket gauges sold by automotive supply stores are generally more accurate than those on gas station air pumps.
- Measure the pressure when your tires are cold, and don’t forget the spare. Tires will be cold if the vehicle has been stationary for at least three hours or has not been driven more than 2km.
- Remember that tires lose pressure when the air temperature gets colder (about 7 kPa or 1 psi for every 5°C drop in temperature). Tires may also lose a certain amount of pressure due to their permeability (about 14kPa or 2psi per month).
- Overinflation can be a problem too. An overinflated tire rides on just the centre portion of the tread. The smaller contact area means reduced grip on the road, leading to a harsh ride, handling issues (such as steering and stopping problems) and increased wear on tires and suspension components.
Warning: Avoid driving on a seriously underinflated tire for your own safety and to prevent damage to the tire.
Be sure to add air to your tires during the winter months. Make certain that both the air pump hose valve and the tire valve are free of snow and other debris that could cause a leak in the tire valve. Don’t forget to put the cap back on the tire valve when you’re done.
The tire information label is usually located on the driver’s door or inside the driver’s door frame.
Tire pressure gauges sold by automotive supply stores are generally more accurate than those on gas station air pumps.
Tires with deep cuts, slits, cracks, blisters or bulges are potentially dangerous and should be replaced. Tires with treads worn down to the same level as the tread wear indicator (1.5 mm or 2/32 of an inch in depth) must be replaced.
Uneven tread wear can be caused by improper wheel alignment or a tire imbalance. A tire must be replaced when the tread wears even with the tread wear indicator. Tires with cuts, cracks or bulges in the sidewall or tread should be replaced.
Be safe and considerate.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is not a manufacturing requirement on new vehicles sold in Canada, or on imported vehicles. Furthermore, there is no federal regulation that prohibits disabling the TPMS system on vehicles, as vehicle use falls under provincial and territorial jurisdictions.
While the TPMS is not a requirement in Canada, the U.S. Federal Regulations require that all new light vehicles sold in the U.S. since September 2007 be equipped with a TPMS. Some manufacturers do offer TPMS on vehicles sold in Canada as either standard or optional equipment. To find out whether the TPMS as equipped conforms to U.S. federal standards or the manufacturer’s own standards, please refer to the owner’s manual or contact the dealership.
Based on our research and collision investigation programs, Transport Canada has not identified a pattern of motor vehicle collisions caused conclusively by tire failure in Canada. However, we continue to monitor the effectiveness of TPMS to determine if they provide any potential safety benefits to Canadians and will take action as required. The Motor Vehicle Safety Act does not provide Transport Canada the authority to mandate TPMS on the basis of fuel economy benefits. Fuel economy falls under the jurisdiction of other entities.
Transport Canada recommends that tires be inspected and serviced regularly, and be inflated to the correct pressure at all times to increase safety. For optimal vehicle handling and to prevent tire failure, tire pressure and tire wear should be checked on a monthly basis, even on TPMS-equipped vehicles. Proper tire maintenance also improves fuel economy, extends tire life, and reduces exhaust emissions that contribute to environmental and health problems.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The targets of the TPMS are:
- Avoiding traffic accidents due to under-inflated tires by early recognition of the malfunction of tires
- Reducing CO2 emission and reducing tire abrasion by an optimal inflation
Tire Pressure Monitors monitor the air pressure of all the wheels and alert the driver either by voice, message, or other warning signal when a tire’s pressure has dropped below a safe level. Two types of systems are currently in use:
- One uses ABS sensors to measure the rolling diameter of the wheel. A low tire pressure will have a smaller diameter.
- The second directly measures the pressure with a wheel mounted pressure sensor in each wheel.
The system is on when the engine is turned on.
Things to keep in mind
- Make sure you understand the tire pressure monitoring system installed in your vehicle.
- Some tire pressure monitoring systems provide a warning only when a tire is significantly underinflated. The tire may then be close to failure.
- When a monitoring system warns that pressure is low, measure your tire pressure and inflate to the appropriate pressure.
- Large temperature changes outside can cause the low tire pressure warning to come on.
- A warning message that the system is malfunctioning will also come on if the tires are changed or the tires are rotated and the system is not reset.
- When installing winter tires, be aware that the system may not work properly unless the correct type of pressure sensors for your vehicle are also installed.
- If buying new rims, make sure the pressure sensors fit on the rims.
- Newer tire pressure monitoring systems allow the driver to reset them.
- Tire pressure monitoring systems do not replace the maintenance procedures recommended in the owner’s manual.
- You should continue to measure your tire pressure on a monthly basis.
- Drivers are encouraged to read the owner’s manual to become familiar with the system and the conditions when system operation is different or is not guaranteed.
Inspect your tires regularly for damage and for signs of excessive or uneven wear. Catching a problem early could save you money and prevent a sudden tire failure. Check for embedded stones, glass or other foreign objects that could work into the tread and cause a leak.
Wheel alignment and balancing
It’s a good idea to have your wheel alignment checked once a year or if you notice uneven or rapid wear on the inside or outside edges of the tire. If the wheels are misaligned, they may drag instead of rolling freely. This could increase fuel consumption, reduce tire life and cause problems with the vehicle’s handling and ride.
Wheels should also be balanced. If they are out of balance, you may feel a pounding or shaking through the steering wheel or your seat. This pounding could shorten the life of suspension components, lead to uneven tire wear (bald spots) and increase fuel consumption.
If you suspect any problem with your tires, have them inspected by an expert who can recommend the best corrective action.
Rotating your tires
Front and back tires usually wear differently, especially on front wheel drive vehicles. They’ll last longer if you rotate them.
- Rotate your tires according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation, found in the owner’s manual. Or talk to your tire professional to find out how – and how often – the tires on your vehicle should be rotated. Common practice is to rotate tires approximately every 10,000km.
- When mounting the wheels on your vehicle, make sure the wheel nuts are tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications. The correct wheel nut tightness can be found in your owner’s manual.
As a tire wears, traction is reduced. A tire must be replaced when the tread has worn even with the tread wear indicator. The tread wear indicator is a small raised bar that runs across the grooves of the tire tread, marking the minimum allowable tread depth. Normally, there are six tread wear indicators spaced evenly around the tire. For optimum traction in wet or snow conditions, replace your tires before they reach the minimum tread depth.
- New tires should be the same size, and have the same load capacity and speed rating as the original tires, which will have this information printed on them. The size also appears on the tire information label, which is usually located on the driver’s door or inside the driver’s door frame.
- To ensure proper vehicle handling, install the same type of tire on all wheel positions.
The tread wear indicator is a small raised bar that runs across the grooves of the tire tread, marking the minimum allowable tread depth.
There are usually six tread wear indicators spaced evenly around the tire.
Getting the best value and performance from new tires depends on clearly understanding your vehicle and your own driving needs and being able to communicate your needs to a tire professional who can assist with the final decision. Automotive publications and manufacturers’ website provide consumer information that may be useful.
Register your tires! When you buy new tires, ask your dealer for a copy of the tire registration form. Fill it out and send it in. Alternately, most manufacturers have online tire registration on their websites. If there is a recall, the manufacturer will be able to contact you directly.
While driving, your tires are the only connection with Mother Earth. Don’t rush to haven!
Tire Safety Checklist
The fundamental materials of modern tires are synthetic rubber, natural rubber, fabric and wire, along with other compound chemicals. They consist of a tread and a body. The tread provides traction while the body ensures support. Before rubber was invented, the first versions of tires were simply bands of metal that fitted around wooden wheels to prevent wear and tear. Today, the vast majority of tires are pneumatic inflatable structures, comprising a doughnut-shaped body of cords and wires encased in rubber and generally filled with compressed air to form an inflatable cushion.
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Some new vehicles are equipped with these systems, which indicate when a tire becomes underinflated. Some tire pressure monitoring systems provide a warning only when a tire is significantly underinflated. The tire may then be close to failure. When a monitoring system warns that pressure is low, measure your tire pressure as soon as possible.
Make sure you understand the tire pressure monitoring system installed in your vehicle. Check your owner’s manual.
Tire pressure monitoring systems do not replace the maintenance procedures recommended here.
Seasonal Tire Storage
Tires should be stored upright in a clean indoor location, free from exposure to sunlight or strong artificial light, heat, ozone (electrical motors) and hydrocarbons. If tires are stored on their rims, the tire pressure should be reduced to approximately 103kPa (15psi) to avoid possible cracking and deformation.
Inflating your tires with Nitrogen
Nitrogen offers potential benefits over air inflated tires. Nitrogen is an inert gas which reduces the deterioration of the tire and rim due to oxidation. Nitrogen reduces the changes in tire pressure due to changes in temperature. Nitrogen comes from commercial tanks or systems which normally do not contain moisture which can deteriorate tires, tire valves, and rims. Further details concerning Nitrogen can be found at www.betiresmart.ca
The impact of tires on the environment and our health
Your tire inflation and tire maintenance practices can play an important role in reducing the impact of personal vehicles on the environment and health.
- How? Underinflated tires increase fuel consumption.
- In fact, every additional litre of fuel your vehicle uses, will release 2.4 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2) – a major greenhouse gas.
- Collectively, this means that improper tire maintenance practices waste over 500 million litres of fuel and cause an additional 1.2 million tonnes of CO2 to be emitted into the atmosphere.
- Improper tire maintenance also shortens the life of your tires. Replacing your tires more often means that more tires go to landfills or recycling, and more energy is then used to produce new tires or to recycle them. Again, this has an impact on the environment and our health.
Driving your vehicle with just one tire underinflated by 56 kPa (8 psi) will increase your fuel consumption by 4%, costing you money and releasing extra emissions into the atmosphere.
Tire safety checklist
- Measure your tire pressure at least once a month, using a good-quality tire pressure gauge. Measure the pressure when the tires are cold. Don’t forget the spare.
- Before inflating your tires, check the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle. This information is usually on the tire information label – normally located on the edge of the driver’s door, the door post, the glove box or the fuel door. This information can also be found in your owner’s manual. Don’t use the pressure indicated on the tire. It’s the maximum pressure, not necessarily the recommended one.
- When inflating your tires, make sure the air pump hose valve and tire valves are free of dirt and other obstructions. Make sure the tire valves have caps.
- Always measure tire pressure before going on a long trip.
- Once a month, inspect tires for uneven tread wear, cuts or cracks, bulges, foreign objects or other signs of wear or trauma.
- Rotate your tires on a regular basis. Check your owner’s manual to find out how – and how often – tires should be rotated.
- Buy the most appropriate tires for your vehicle and your driving needs.
- When installing new tires, always make sure tires of the same type, size, speed rating and load index are on all wheel positions.
- Register your new tires with the manufacturer upon purchase.
- Don’t overload your vehicle. The tire information label indicates the maximum recommended load.
Tire safety and Transport Canada
All new tires sold in Canada must meet safety standards set under the Motor Vehicle Tire Safety Regulations. Transport Canada administers these regulations and tests tires to ensure they conform to the safety standards. These tests confirm that tires purchased in Canada are designed and manufactured to function safely on your vehicle.