Tire Gauge Giveaway Promotes Clean Air Efforts in Tennessee
Tuesday, September 08, 2009 | 05:03am
3,000 free tire gauges to be distributed in Middle Tennessee
NASHVILLE – The Department of Environment and Conservation is partnering with Envirotest to raise awareness and educate the community about the role properly inflated tires can play in a cleaner, healthier environment.
As part of this community outreach, motorists will receive a tire gauge with each vehicle emissions test at several testing stations throughout Middle Tennessee beginning Thursday, Sept. 17. The gauges were purchased by Envirotest and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis until supplies run out.
“By ensuring tires are properly inflated, Tennesseans save on fuels costs while promoting cleaner air and helping reduce pollution,” said Environment and Conservation Deputy Commissioner Paul Sloan. “Properly inflated tires not only last longer, they are safer and can improve your gas mileage by up to 15 percent. We are excited to join Envirotest in this community outreach effort. ”
When tires are not inflated to the recommended pounds per square inch rating, they are less “round” and require more energy to begin moving and to maintain speed. If the average person drives 12,000 miles yearly on under-inflated tires, they use about 144 extra gallons of gas at a cost of $300 - $500 a year. Each gallon of gas burned contributes about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, which translates into as much as 1.5 extra tons of greenhouse gases annually.
Starting Sept. 17, tire gauges will be available at the following testing locations (please note, specific days and hours of operation differ):
Monday – Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. / Wednesday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. / Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Franklin, 1005 Merylinger Court
- Gallatin, 951 Grassland Place
- Lebanon, 810 Tennessee Boulevard
- Murfreesboro, 1211 Salem Park Court
Monday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. / Tuesday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Smyrna, 271 Weakley Lane
Envirotest also offers mobile testing stations. On Sept. 17 these mobile testing stations will be in Westmoreland behind the police station at 5300 Austin Peay Highway from 8 to 11 a.m. and in Portland at the Farmers’ Market just off Highway 109, north of the fire station and Highway 52, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Other useful tips for saving fuel and reducing pollution include:
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performing routine maintenance and changing oil every 2,000 to 3,000 miles;
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refueling your vehicle after 7 p.m., when possible;
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avoiding high speeds – you can improve your mileage up to 15 percent by driving at 55 mph rather than 65 mph;
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avoiding unneeded items in the trunk – extra weight decreases gas mileage;
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avoiding long idles and prolonged wintertime warm-ups – idling burns more gas than restarting;
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going easy on the brakes and gas – accelerate gradually when possible and anticipate stops to avoid sudden braking.
The department’s Division of Air Pollution Control initiates and administers several programs in the state of Tennessee concerning clean air. For more information about the division and its programs, please visit www.tn.gov/environment/apc.
For more information about the vehicle inspection program, please call Environment and Conservation’s Vehicle Testing Information Hotline toll free at 1-866-329-9632 or visit www.tn.gov/environment/apc/vehicle.
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