That's 25 percent for a common recommended inflation pressure of 32 psi. Data collectors stationed at gas stations around the country measured the inflation pressure of 11,530 tires during two weeks in February. They found that 27 percent of cars and 32 percent of vans, pickups and sport utility vehicles had at least one tire that was underinflated. Eight percent of light trucks and 3 percent of cars had all four tires underinflated. The agency estimates the system will prevent dozens of deaths and thousands of injuries each year.
PART stands for pressure, alignment, rotation and tread, the key aspects of tire maintenance.
Only 4 percent of respondents to a survey conducted for the association last year mentioned tire pressure checks when asked what routine tire maintenance is done on their vehicles. Fifty-five percent did not know where to find the correct pressure recommendation for their tires, which is in the owner's manual and on the vehicle doorjamb. Copyright 2001 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.