Drivers want to protect the environment: Survey

TRAC provides 'Get Fuel Fit Guide' to help motorists find routes to fuel efficiency during Be Tire Smart Week

TORONTO, May 15, 2017 /CNW/ - Drivers want to minimize the impact their vehicles have on the environment, but many lack the information on how to achieve that goal.

According to a new Leger national survey of drivers responsible for the maintenance of their vehicles, 87 per cent of Canadian motorists feel drivers have a moral obligation to protect the environment by ensuring their vehicles are as fuel-efficient as possible.

The survey, conducted for the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC), found that nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) of Canadian drivers are not aware of low rolling resistance tires and the fuel efficiency gains these tires provide.

Low rolling resistance (LRR) tires cut fuel consumption by two to four per cent when compared to conventional tires. Motorists driving 25,000 km per year can save between $50 and $100 annually on these technologically advanced tires. Those who log longer distances save more.

When made aware of this fuel saving advantage, 77 per cent of drivers surveyed indicated they would likely purchase a set, provided the fuel savings offset the cost of these fuel saving tires. A similar survey conducted for TRAC in 2016 found that 69 per cent of drivers said they were interested in acquiring LRR tires if the cost was covered by fuel savings.

The 2017 survey, however, also found that only nine per cent of motorists now ride on these fuel-efficient tires.

"The significant uptick in interest in LRR tires reflects the high priority Canadian drivers place on being eco-friendly," says Glenn Maidment, president of TRAC. "Clearly, we have a major opportunity to lessen the impact vehicles have on the environment and reduce energy consumption simply by raising awareness of this important tire category. The need for consumer education is highlighted by the fact that 41 per cent of motorists don't even know if their vehicles are equipped with fuel-saving tires."

Low rolling resistance tires incorporate the latest advances in tire technology. They are designed with specialized tread patterns that keep cars moving more efficiently, rubber compounds that minimize internal movements inside the rubber itself and materials that lower weight, increase rigidity and improve aerodynamics. The result is less energy is required to push them down the road.

Be Tire Smart Week 2017
Making drivers aware of the range of steps they can take to improve fuel economy is a key goal of Be Tire Smart Week, which takes place across Canada from May 15 to 21.

This year, as part of this advocacy campaign, TRAC's Be Tire Smart (www.betiresmart.ca) is providing motorists with an informative 'Get Fuel Fit' Guide – a fun online resource to help motorists improve their fuel saving know-how by offering advice on tire selection, maintenance and driving habits that improve fuel economy and protect the environment.

The Guide has three sections:

• Gear - vehicle, tire and other relevant product shopping tips to save on fuel
• Routine - fuel saving driving tips
• Check-up - tire and auto maintenance advice

This fuel saving resource features expert, eco-friendly advice from Natural Resources Canada, Kal Tire and TRAC.

"Fuel-efficient driving not only saves hundreds of dollars in fuel each year, but it can also improve road safety, prevent unnecessary wear on your vehicle and lower harmful greenhouse gas emissions," said Steve Akehurst, Chief, Personal Vehicles Programs, Office of Energy Efficiency, Natural Resources Canada. "By adopting fuel-efficient driving techniques, the average Canadian can reduce their fuel use by up to 25 per cent."

About the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada
The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada is the national trade association representing tire makers, rubber products manufacturers and importers as well as rubber recyclers and suppliers of goods and services related to the industry. Be Tire Smart Canada is TRAC's vehicle for helping motorists get the best performance, safety, longevity and fuel economy from their tires. Please visit: www.betiresmart.ca.

Methodology
A survey of 800 Canadian motorists who are responsible for the maintenance of a personal vehicle was completed online between April 10 to April 20, 2017 using Leger's online panel, LegerWeb. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/-3.5%, 19 times out of 20.

Twitter: @BeTireSmartCA 
Facebook: Be Tire Smart Canada 
YouTube: Be Tire Smart Canada 
LinkedIn: Tire and Rubber Association of Canada 
Get Fuel Fit: http://bit.ly/Fuel-Fit-Guide-2017

SOURCE Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC)

Michelle Magee, [email protected], 416-471-2336