Motorists are encouraged to spend just two minutes to measure their tire pressure before travelling. Long drives, extra passengers, heavier loads and hot temperatures can be hazardous for under-inflated tires and cause vehicles to use more fuel.

"Canadians can reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions released into the air simply by measuring their tire pressure," said Gilles Paquette, Communications Manager for the Rubber Association of Canada.

"Under-inflated tires cause Canadians to waste an estimated 643 million litres of fuel each year, which results in the release of over 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, a major green house gas, into the atmosphere.

Here's how to measure your tire pressure in just a few minutes:

Step 1:

Find the recommended inflation pressure for your tires on the vehicle placard. Check the owner's manual for its exact location.

Step 2:

Only measure pressure when the tires are cold (driven less than two km or parked for at least three hours.)

Step 3

Complete tire inflation pressure check using a tire gauge: Remove cap from valve of one tire, press tire gauge onto the valve and take pressure reading. Don't forget to measure the tire pressure on your spare too!

Step 4

Add air until the recommended air pressure is achieved. If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the centre of the valve, then re-check the pressure.

For more information about proper tire maintenance, go to www.betiresmart.ca