TMC
(Technology & Maintenance Council)

TMC Tire Air Pressure Study - May 2002

Conducted by TMC's Tire Debris Prevention Task Force
Under the S.2 Tire & Wheel Study Group

This task force was created with the purpose of reducing the incidence of tire debris littering the nation's highways and preventing regulations that restrict retreading. To accomplish these objectives, the Task Force conducted surveys and analysis of tire road debris to ascertain its cause.

TMC also secured a booth at 2 large events: The Walcott Truckers Jamboree and the Reno Truckerfest 2001 and sent field service engineers to take and record tire pressure. Driver permission to check tire pressures was obtained in the booth or in the truck parking lots by their signing a two-part NCR tire form specifically designed by TMC for recording tire pressure. Vehicles were required to be parked at least three hours before pressures were checked, allowing for cold, accurate tire pressure. This study included 35,128 tires. These tires were on a total of 4,786 trucks and tractors, 1,301 trailers and 1500 motor coaches. This report has a summary of these stunning findings of underinflation.

Upon request the complete studies can be obtained by contacting:

Technology & Maintenance Council
2200 Mill Road, Alexandria, VA 22314
703/838-1763
E-mail: tmc@trucking.org
Web site: http://www.trucking.org