Jan. 16, 2019—Younger drivers are more than 1.5 times more likely to identify popular emojis* correctly than the tire pressure monitoring system warning symbol, revealed a new study commissioned by Goodyear Auto Service and Just Tires. In fact, 49 percent of younger drivers and 39 percent of overall drivers were unable to recognize the TPMS warning symbol in the survey of more than 1,000 U.S. drivers.
The lack of awareness of the TPMS symbol, an electronic system designed to monitor the air pressure of a vehicle's tires, is a clear sign that some drivers are in the dark on what the light means and what to do when it's triggered. Maintaining the correct tire pressure is critical to the safety, control and comfort of your ride—and can help save you money.
Goodyear Auto Service and Just Tires want to be the destination to clear up the confusion for consumers unsure what to do when their TPMS light illuminates. That is why they're offering drivers free tire care checks, including free tire, air pressure and TPMS inspections.
Possible causes for the TPMS light illuminating include a tire puncture, leaking tire due to rim damage and fluctuating temperatures as seasons change. Improper tire pressure can lead to uneven treadwear, decreased gas mileage and poor handling.
"Nobody knows tires like Goodyear, and if the TPMS light goes on or you want to know if it's time to replace your tires, Goodyear Auto Service and Just Tires have the knowledge and expertise to help keep your car performing optimally this winter and beyond," said Fred Thomas, vice president and general manager, Goodyear Retail.
The study also found that most drivers surveyed are not taking precautionary actions to prepare their cars for winter. Amongst drivers who live in areas with usually cold winters, less than half (42 percent) get their tires checked in advance of the winter season. And almost two in five winter drivers (37 percent) do not take any action at all to prepare their cars for winter unless they have an issue. As a general rule of thumb, drivers should check their tires monthly, especially during temperature shifts of 10 degrees or more.
*Eighty-eight percent of younger drivers surveyed correctly identified the eye-roll emoji, while 51 percent recognized the TPMS warning symbol.
