Pennsylvania DEP: Motorists to Benefit From Investments in Advanced Fuel-Saving Technology

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- State grants are helping to expand the network of businesses where motorists can have their tires filled with fuel-saving nitrogen, Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger said today as he announced the latest recipients of Nitrogen Tire Inflation Grants.

This year, 25 automotive service providers in 16 counties that have acquired and are operating nitrogen tire inflation systems will receive reimbursement grants of up to $5,000 each, Hanger said.

Pennsylvania motorists can save an estimated 25 gallons of gasoline per year, or almost $75 at current prices, by inflating their tires with nitrogen. This year's grants could help up to 35,000 Pennsylvania consumers curb fuel consumption by approximately 875,000 gallons in total, which could save them about $2.5 million.

"Filling automotive tires with nitrogen instead of air helps to improve fuel economy, increase safety and can extend tire life," said Hanger. "The commonwealth has invested in deploying this fuel-saving technology that enables us to better manage our fuel resources in a way that also improves our environment and enhances our quality of life."

During the past three years, the grant program awarded nearly $300,000 to 81 businesses in 29 counties.

Applicants must provide a 50-percent match of the equipment's total cost. The equipment must deliver at least 95 percent nitrogen according to manufacturer specifications, and it must have been installed after July 1, 2010.

Based on available information from various private and public studies, tires inflated with nitrogen retain proper pressure up to four times longer than tires inflated with conventional air, improving mileage by more than 3 percent. Under-inflating tires can cause greater wear, reduces fuel economy, impairs vehicle handling, and is a main cause of tire blow-outs.

"The Nitrogen Tire Inflation Grant program has made it possible for motorists all across the state to access this advanced fuel-saving technology," said Hanger. "However, whether using nitrogen or conventional air, all motorists should check tire pressure on a regular basis to ensure they are getting the best performance possible out of their vehicles."

For more information, and to view a complete list of all the auto service providers who received Nitrogen Tire Inflation grants, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Alternative Fuels.

Media contact: John Repetz, 717-787-1323

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection