When it comes to improving the environmental impact of their vehicles, Canadian drivers want to do the right thing. But tire-related knowledge gaps may be hindering their efforts.
According to a Leger survey conducted for the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC), 88 per cent of motorists feel drivers have a moral obligation to protect the environment by ensuring their cars are as fuel-efficient as possible. And they know that making sure their tires are properly inflated (66 per cent) and carpooling when possible (64 per cent) are two ways to help achieve that.
However, the survey also found that three-quarters (76 per cent) of drivers are not familiar with low rolling resistance tires and the fuel saving benefits they offer.
“Canadians want to make smart environmental choices for their vehicles,” says Glenn Maidment, president of TRAC. “Yet there are some areas where they lack information. For example, if drivers were aware that low rolling resistance tires helped them reduce fuel consumption and save energy, we believe more people would use them.”
In fact, when told of the fuel savings benefit they would see if their vehicle was equipped with low rolling resistance tires, 69 per cent of those surveyed said they would likely buy them even though the cost is slightly higher than conventional tires.
Low rolling resistance tires incorporate the latest advances in tire technology.
They’re designed with specialized tread patterns that keep your car moving more efficiently, rubber compounds that minimize internal movements inside the rubber itself and materials that lower weight, increase rigidity and improve aerodynamics. The result is a range of two to four per cent in improved fuel economy. For motorists who drive approximately 25,000 km per year, this translates to between $50 to $100 in fuel savings per year.
Be Tire Smart Week 2016
Educating people about the steps they can take to reduce the environmental impact of their vehicles is one of the goals of Be Tire Smart Week, which takes place across Canada May 16 to 22.
This year, as part of the initiative, TRAC is launching the ‘Get Fuel Fit’ Guide – a fun and informative online resource to help motorists tune up their auto and tire care knowledge with product selection, maintenance and driving tips that can help save money and the environment. Visit http://bit.ly/Get-Fuel-Fit-Guide
The Guide is made up of three sections:
• Gear - vehicle, tire and other relevant product shopping tips to save on fuel
• Routine - fuel saving driving tips
• Check-up - tire and auto maintenance advice
It also features expert ‘coaches’ from Natural Resources Canada, Kal Tire and TRAC who share eco-friendly advice.
“Fuel-efficient driving not only saves you hundreds of dollars in fuel each year, but it can also improve road safety, prevent unnecessary wear on your vehicle and lower harmful greenhouse gas emissions,” said Ann Charboneau, manager, ecoENERGY for Personal Vehicles, Natural Resources Canada. “By adopting fuel-efficient driving techniques, the average Canadian can reduce their fuel use by up to 25 per cent.”