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Under-inflated Tires in Europe Waste 5.3B Liters of Fuel/Year
6 March 2008
Some 38% of vehicles in the EU are driving on under-inflated or severely under-inflated tires, according to calculations by Bridgestone’s Technical Centre Europe, based on the company’s 2007 survey of 38,867 vehicles in 19 countries. As a result of under-inflation, those vehicles are wasting 5.3 billion liters (1.4 billion gallons US) of fuel annually, at a cost of €7 billion (US$10.8 billion), according to Bridgestone.
The wasted fuel adds an additional 12.3 Megatonnes of CO2 emissions—the equivalent of an extra 4.6 g/km CO2 output, for every car on Europe’s roads.
Inflation pressure has a strong influence on tire rolling resistance, which is itself a key factor in determining vehicle fuel consumption. Depending on the type of road and driving style, rolling resistance represents 18% to 26% of the total force on a vehicle. Since low inflation increases rolling resistance, it has a direct effect on vehicle fuel efficiency and emissions.
In addition, 16% of tires checked had a tread depth below the legal level of 1.6 mm, adding further to safety risks.
Bridgestone gathered the data in free check-ups conducted at shopping centers and public car parks. The check-ups are part of the “Think Before You Drive” safety education campaign, a worldwide joint initiative between the FIA Foundation (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), Bridgestone Corporation and national motoring clubs, launched in 2005.
March 6, 2008 in Brief | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
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Comments
This problem has been solved with full time pressure gage (reading + low pressure alarm).
Airless tires would also solve that problem.
Both technologies are available. Should they be imposed? or promoted through tax credits etc?
Posted by: Harvey D | Mar 6, 2008 1:02:12 PM
How long till the "tweel" is released?
Posted by: Neil | Mar 6, 2008 2:38:33 PM
Thanks Neil...The Tweel....! That's the invention I've been trying to remember.
So Bridestone has been reporting their under inflation statistics for at least 3 years. Before the Tweel gets solidly distributed, I bet Bridgestone will be able to make their report for quite a few more years.
Posted by: litesong | Mar 6, 2008 5:54:12 PM
