April 20, 2005

The Department of Environmental Quality, in cooperation with the Department of Transportation, is working to help Michigan residents realize the benefits of properly caring for their tires. Proper tire care helps the environment and saves consumers money by promoting better fuel economy and longer tire life, thus reducing the number of scrap tires generated.

A poster highlighting the importance of proper tire pressure has been developed for posting at rest areas, state-owned office buildings, tire retailers, and gas stations throughout the state this year. The goal is to raise awareness of tire pressure in relation to safety, air pollution, gas mileage, and vehicle handling.

A well-tended tire can last up to 80,000 miles and save the average consumer up to two weeks of fuel per year, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association.

“Properly maintaining vehicle tires is a simple measure that can help the environment and save drivers money,” said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. “The tire poster is part of a larger effort to promote automobile safety and fuel conservation.”

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, nearly four million gallons of gas are wasted each day nationwide for every one pound per square inch of under-inflation, equating to the release of 1.5 million tons of carbon dioxide into the air. In an added effort to raise awareness of these important issues, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm recently issued a proclamation in support of National Tire Safety Week, April 24-30, 2005.

The next time you visit a Michigan Welcome Center or rest area, look for the tire safety poster and learn how individual efforts can help save lives, money, and the environment. The poster can also be viewed on the DEQ’s Web site at: http://www.michigan.gov/deq (click on “Waste” in the left column and then “Scrap Tires”).

For additional information, please contact the Scrap Tire Regulatory Program, Waste and Hazardous Materials Division, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 30241, Lansing, Michigan 48909-7741, at 517 241 2924, or contact Noelle Hartner, at 517 373 4738 or hartnern@michigan.gov.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

Revised April 20, 2005 by Pat Watson