April 9, 2014—Nearly half of drivers are unable to identify a potentially lifesaving dashboard warning signal, according to a new survey conducted by Schrader International, a manufacturer of sensing and valve solutions.
While 96 percent of drivers said they consider underinflated tires a serious safety issue and 89 percent think properly inflated tires and an automatic warning system could save their life, 42 percent of those drivers could not accurately identify the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) dashboard warning symbol.
In addition, one in 10 drivers admitted to intentionally ignoring a TPMS warning and continuing to drive, while 42 percent of drivers said they rarely check their tire air pressure.
In 2000, following a series of fatal automobile crashes and a resulting nationwide tire recall, U.S. Congress passed the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act, which mandated that all new passenger cars be equipped with a TPMS warning system.
Today, all vehicles model year 2008 or later are equipped with TPMS technology.
Schrader said it is working with aftermarket retail partners to integrate the use of point-of-sale elements, such as product displays, waiting room posters, consumer-focused videos, handouts and online content to help inform the consumer in advance of a service conversation.
For more information, visit TPMSMadeEasy.com.
