New Law to Require Tire-Pressure Monitoring

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposed a rule that would make
car manufacturers install tire-pressure warning systems in vehicles made after November
2003. The rule would require a warning of significantly under-inflated tires and would
cover passenger cars, buses and light trucks — which include vans, pickups and
sport-utility vehicles. Some vehicles already feature the technology, but it is not
mandatory. One NHTSA proposal would require a warning signal when pressure in one or up to
four tires drops to 20 percent or more below the manufacturer’s recommended inflation
pressure, or a minimum pressure level specified in the new standard, whichever is higher.
The second option may mandate a warning when tire pressure in one or up to three tires
falls to 25 percent or more below the manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation pressure,
or a minimum pressure level specified in the new standard, whichever is higher.