GAO Report Highlights (taken from GAO 07- 246R Underinflated Tire Report) The federal government is taking steps to address tire under inflation and the Government Accountability Office recognizes nitrogen benefits for tire inflation. According to tire experts, under normal driving conditions, air-filled tires can lose 1-2 lbs psi per month as air permeates through the tires. Vehicles with under inflated tires have handling problems that cause crashes resulting in fatalities and injuries. Under inflated tires impact a driver’s ability to control a vehicle against skidding, blow outs and other tire failures. In 2005, about 1.2 billion gallons of fuel was wasted as a result of driving on under inflated tires. A NHTSA study shows that in 1999, under inflated tires contributed to 247 fatalities and 21300 injuries. The US Government has issued a report in which nitrogen is not only mentioned, but is classified as one of “several technologies currently available to reduce tire under inflation. Compressed air leaks from tires over time. Nitrogen permeates through the tires slower than air and studies show that tires filled with nitrogen retain pressure longer and age slower. International Tire and Rubber Association reported that under inflation was the “single most common” factor in tire failure. According to GAO several technologies are currently available to reduce tire under inflation, including tire pressure gauges, TPMS, compressed air, nitrogen and improved tire materials. Purigen98 is proud to have sponsored one of the nitrogen purity studies written by Uda Kamaker and Harold Herzlich that is specifically cited in this report.
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