The Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau has teamed up with the Tire Industry Association to jointly sponsor a "Guess the Pressure" contest at the Technology & Maintenance Council's Transportation Technology Exhibition Feb. 8-11, 2011 in Tampa, Fla.


Visitors to the TRIB and TIA booths will have the opportunity to "thump" three retreaded tires inflated to various pressure levels. The person with the most accurate guess will win a TIA Fleet Tire Service OSHA Compliance Training Program worth $300.

"Proper air pressure is such an important issue for all drivers, but for fleet owners and operators it translates into a real financial impact," said TRIB Managing Director David Stevens. "Just 20 percent underinflation will reduce tire mileage by 16 percent, increase irregular wear and cause extra heat build-up, which all add up to increased costs and more downtime. The only accurate way to check pressure is with a properly calibrated air gauge and we encourage all drivers to regularly check their air pressure."

"Improper air pressure is a major contributor to shortened tire life, and it can have dire safety consequences. Thus, it's important that the 'gospel' of correct tire pressure be spread as wide as possible. That's why we're glad to be partnering with TRIB to share this important message in such a fun way," said TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield.

When TRIB held a similar event at the Mid-America Trucking Show in 2006, no one was able to come with 5 psi of the pre-set inflation pressure.