(NC)-Canadians aren't measuring up when it comes to
checking their tires for proper inflation.


Fifty one per cent of Canadian motorists don't take the
time to measure their tire pressure monthly even though 97%
of us believe it's important, according to an Ipsos Reid
study commissioned by the Rubber Association of Canada
(RAC).


Current RAC statistics show 23% of Canadian motorists drive
with at least one tire that is under-inflated by 20% or
more, resulting in more than 640 million litres of fuel
being needlessly consumed.


No wonder people are concerned - carbon dioxide spewing from vehicles is the single greatest cause of greenhouse gas emissions.


By measuring your tires' pressure once a month, and maintaining proper tire inflation, you could save two weeks worth of gas a year, the cost of one or two sets of tires over the lifetime of your vehicle, reduce harmful emissions, and increase the safety of your vehicle.


Proper tire care is simple and easy. Measure tire pressure monthly, including the spare, using a good-quality tire pressure gauge.


You can't tell if your tires are properly inflated just by looking at them. If you're not sure how to do it, ask someone to help you.


Remember, a change in temperature can mean a change in tire pressure. Check out betiresmart.ca or vehicles.gc.ca for more tips on being tire smart this winter.