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California has a tire inflator regulation?

Danglerb

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I was looking through the Tooltopia sale items, and found a CARB California approved tire inflator, a Branik, never heard of a regulation on tire inflators. Whats the scoop?
 
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Stick

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AFAIK, it's not a law that regulates tire inflators, rather it's a law that states that any business that services vehicles must check tire pressures (with a high-accuracy gauge) and adjust tire pressures when necessary every time the vehicle is in for any sort of work.

From my understanding, it applies to most automotive service facilities, but there are exemptions for stuff like car washes, parts stores, body shops, glass repair, etc.
 

fordcragar

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AFAIK, it's not a law that regulates tire inflators, rather it's a law that states that any business that services vehicles must check tire pressures (with a high-accuracy gauge) and adjust tire pressures when necessary every time the vehicle is in for any sort of work.

From my understanding, it applies to most automotive service facilities, but there are exemptions for stuff like car washes, parts stores, body shops, glass repair, etc.
Why would anyone want to be responsible for checking their own tires? Some of this stuff seems to be getting stupid.:headscrat
 
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Danglerb

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CARB California Air Resources Board is the monkey boy of the EPA, basically charged with implementing whatever it takes to meet EPA guidelines. My wild guess, EPA wants everybody to keep tires pumped up so we use less gas.

I wonder how this is supposed to be paid for?
 

Al Bundy

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Why would anyone want to be responsible for checking their own tires? Some of this stuff seems to be getting stupid.:headscrat

Haven't you been paying attention? Nobody has to be responsible for anything. They want the government to take care of everything for you.
 

Toolhorder

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AFAIK, it's not a law that regulates tire inflators, rather it's a law that states that any business that services vehicles must check tire pressures (with a high-accuracy gauge) and adjust tire pressures when necessary every time the vehicle is in for any sort of work.

From my understanding, it applies to most automotive service facilities, but there are exemptions for stuff like car washes, parts stores, body shops, glass repair, etc.

They are regulating the tire inflators too but I haven't seen them enforce it. Also many shops are having people sign out of checking the pressures and I haven't heard of it being challenged yet.
 

Lotek

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CARB California Air Resources Board is the monkey boy of the EPA, basically charged with implementing whatever it takes to meet EPA guidelines. My wild guess, EPA wants everybody to keep tires pumped up so we use less gas.

I wonder how this is supposed to be paid for?

The tech is supposed to do it for free, because he doesn't need to earn a living...but don't get me started.

Aside from that, I have found that most people are running around with low tires, even with the govt. mandated tpms. You can't fix stupid.
 

mtnkrake

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From CARB website.

On September 1, 2010, the California Air Resources Board’s (ARB’s) Tire Pressure Regulation took effect. The purpose of this regulation is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles operating with under inflated tires by inflating them to the recommended tire pressure rating. The regulation applies to vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less. Automotive service providers must meet the regulation’s following requirements:

Check and inflate each vehicle’s tires to the recommended tire pressure rating, with air or nitrogen, as appropriate, at the time of performing any automotive maintenance or repair service.
Indicate on the vehicle service invoice that a tire inflation service was completed and the tire pressure measurements after the service were performed.
Perform the tire pressure service using a tire pressure gauge with a total permissible error no greater than + two (2) pounds per square inch (psi).
Have access to a tire inflation reference that is current within three years of publication.
Keep a copy of the service invoice for a minimum of three years, and make the vehicle service invoice available to the ARB, or its authorized representative upon request.

This is retarded. The only shop that I need to check my tire pressure is the tire shop. And the government made me safe by making Toyota install TPMS in my truck anyways. LOL
 

punkenduro

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i have to sign off that i did this on every car i work on, and 90% of the time its either low or at the max pressure set on the sidewall of the tire. people are to stupid to see a placard on the door jam they pass 10 times a day.
 

TheFarmer

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The tech is supposed to do it for free, because he doesn't need to earn a living...but don't get me started.

Aside from that, I have found that most people are running around with low tires, even with the govt. mandated tpms. You can't fix stupid.

Could not agree more.
 

Charles (in GA)

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i have to sign off that i did this on every car i work on, and 90% of the time its either low or at the max pressure set on the sidewall of the tire. people are to stupid to see a placard on the door jam they pass 10 times a day.

It would be nice if they were on the door jam, but the manufacturers seem to put them anywhere. Example, Volkswagen New Beetle, 2000 model, its on the inside of the gas filler door.

Also, they don't put that info in the owners manual, the manual sends you to the sticker on the car. On some cars, its in the glove box.

Charles
 

TheFarmer

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It would be nice if they were on the door jam, but the manufacturers seem to put them anywhere. Example, Volkswagen New Beetle, 2000 model, its on the inside of the gas filler door.

Also, they don't put that info in the owners manual, the manual sends you to the sticker on the car. On some cars, its in the glove box.

Charles

Also in CA, you have to have a tire pressure book. Yes. They make such a thing (I was surprised myself). If you cannot find it on the car/truck, you're supposed to find it in the book.
 

JSBriggs

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This list would be shorter for what Isn't regulated in california


Well, you cant legally buy windshield washer cleaner with alcohol in it. So the only washer fluid available will freeze below 32 deg. Ever try to drive in the mounains with your window covered with grime and your washer fluid freezing up?

Yes CA is that stupid (and broke)

-Jeff
 
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Danglerb

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What are you supposed to do if you only have air and the tires are green cap N2?

CARB may not be knocking on a lot of doors, but when they knock its with a club.
 

stopdroplol

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Blah blah blah, big government blah blah blah.

Honestly guys, this is a great idea. Improves mileage, safety, life of tires, and probably 20 other things. It's a win for the consumer all the way around. The smart shops would do this even if there wasn't a regulation, the cost is almost nothing, and it would improve customer satisfaction and protect them from possible lawsuits. Not to mention it's just good mechanic.

It's not the owners fault. Nobody is required (or even expected) to know how to fix or maintain their own car. Most people would prefer to pay somebody to do it for them.

edit: also for the record CARB and the EPA really don't get along. The EPA, while good in intent is usually held in check by other government forces and lobbying interest. The CARB on the other hand is able to go further than the EPA and really embarrasses them on quite a few things.
 

blarf

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Well, you cant legally buy windshield washer cleaner with alcohol in it. So the only washer fluid available will freeze below 32 deg. Ever try to drive in the mounains with your window covered with grime and your washer fluid freezing up?

Yes CA is that stupid (and broke)

-Jeff

I'm sorry, what?

Go into any BMW dealership and buy their washer concentrate. The intensive wash stuff was, IIRC, discontinued (at least in California). The regular stuff is great. I diluted it maybe 1:4 and it still leaves a nice sweet alcohol smell in the car. I'd say 1:8 or 1:16 or so would be good (BMW has specific recommendations for specific regions on the bottle).

Plus, it's cheap. I think about $6 for 32oz.

I always chalked it up to most auto parts stores sucking, and most parts of California not getting cold enough to warrant washer antifreeze.
 

JSBriggs

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...
It's not the owners fault. Nobody is required (or even expected) to know how to fix or maintain their own car. Most people would prefer to pay somebody to do it for them...

And there in lies the problem. It is no one but the owners responsibility.

I'm sorry, what?

http://www.arb.ca.gov/consprod/regact/awwf/awwf.htm

Where I live (Auburn) is designated non mountainous on this ridiculous map. http://www.arb.ca.gov/consprod/regact/awwf/range-9-east-mdbm-line-map.jpg


-Jeff
 
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Al Bundy

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Blah blah blah, big government blah blah blah.

Honestly guys, this is a great idea. Improves mileage, safety, life of tires, and probably 20 other things. It's a win for the consumer all the way around. The smart shops would do this even if there wasn't a regulation, the cost is almost nothing, and it would improve customer satisfaction and protect them from possible lawsuits. Not to mention it's just good mechanic.

It's not the owners fault. Nobody is required (or even expected) to know how to fix or maintain their own car. Most people would prefer to pay somebody to do it for them.

edit: also for the record CARB and the EPA really don't get along. The EPA, while good in intent is usually held in check by other government forces and lobbying interest. The CARB on the other hand is able to go further than the EPA and really embarrasses them on quite a few things.

I pity the people who aren't even capable of checking the pressure in their tires. My 10 year old can not only check the pressure, but he can change the tire for you if you get a flat. Not sure why anyone wants to live in a world where someone else has to do everything for you. But then again I don't live in my moms basement so maybe it's different for you.
 
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Givl Reggin

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The tech is supposed to do it for free...

Yes.

It's called customer service... most business seem to forgotten what that is and the value the customer places on it.

I can remember pulling into a gas station, saying; 'filler 'er up' and having them pump the gas, check the battery, oil level and tires,, fill the radiator and windshield washer, clean the front and rear windows and wipe the headlamps and taillights... I think they called it 'Texaco Star Service' but all the stations did it.
 

blarf

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If your retailer does not sell the concentrate and tells customers that it is illegal, they are misinformed.

So buy the concentrate (legal) and don't dilute it enough (illegal)?

As someone who lives where it doesn't freeze regularly, I have to wonder if there are any suitable detergents that aren't VOCs. I know that the last time someone other than me topped off the washer fluid, they used some over the counter tab. It worked well as a detergent and didn't reek of alcohol the way the BMW stuff does.

Then again, pretty much anything you dissolve in water will lower the freezing point, IIRC.
 

JSBriggs

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Ill also add the CARB compliant gas cans that cause you to spill fuel all over in the name of cleaner air. Granted not all of CARBs rules are misguided, but enough of them without substantial research that the agencey is essentially retarded. I guess the the point being, does the state need to be involved in all of this?

-Jeff
 

garfunkle24

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Granted not all of CARBs rules are misguided, but enough of them without substantial research that the agencey is essentially retarded.

-Jeff

I assume you have done in-depth research and fully understand all the studies and testing involved in those policies before labeling the "agencey" as retarded?

Surely you wouldn't be hypocritical enough to mock an entity for it's lack of substantial research without doing that, right?
 

rsanter

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fact of the matter is that proper tire inflation saves fuel so this is a great idea....too bad its completly unrealistic.
this is just another instance of a polititians effort to pass a law that they can lay claim to have a great effect on the world but really cannot be tracked

so how many of you guys track your mileage?
I do and 9 times out of 10 when I see a slight dip I check the tires and add a little air and my mileage goes right back up a tenth or so

bob
 

Lotek

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Yes.

It's called customer service... most business seem to forgotten what that is and the value the customer places on it.

I can remember pulling into a gas station, saying; 'filler 'er up' and having them pump the gas, check the battery, oil level and tires,, fill the radiator and windshield washer, clean the front and rear windows and wipe the headlamps and taillights... I think they called it 'Texaco Star Service' but all the stations did it.

And they paid someone hourly a living wage to do that, they didn't expect a flatrate tech to stop making money and work for free, as they do now.
 

JSBriggs

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I assume you have done in-depth research and fully understand all the studies and testing involved in those policies before labeling the "agencey" as retarded?

Surely you wouldn't be hypocritical enough to mock an entity for it's lack of substantial research without doing that, right?

At least give me the courtesy of a couple dots ... when you edit my quote.

...I guess the the point being, does the state need to be involved in all of this?

-Jeff

Its a catch22. I would rather not pay for the research. But when they legislate and mandate without adequate research, well, its a lose lose.

Bob, I completly agree. The downside of improperly inflated tire is less efficient milage and more tire wear. The costs of which are bore by the owner in paying for the fuel/tires and taxes associated with each. If the owner wants to remain ignorant and drive with under inflated tires, that is their prerogative.

OK I better stop. Im already too political.


-Jeff
 

Lotek

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I pity the people who aren't even capable of checking the pressure in their tires. My 10 year old can not only check the pressure, but he can change the tire for you if you get a flat. Not sure why anyone wants to live in a world where someone else has to do everything for you. But then again I don't live in my moms basement so maybe it's different for you.

:beer::lol_hitti
 

blarf

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Its a catch22. I would rather not pay for the research. But when they legislate and mandate without adequate research, well, its a lose lose.

Bob, I completly agree. The downside of improperly inflated tire is less efficient milage and more tire wear. The costs of which are bore by the owner in paying for the fuel/tires and taxes associated with each. If the owner wants to remain ignorant and drive with under inflated tires, that is their prerogative.

Except when the manufacturer recommends already absurdly low tire pressures and the owner doesn't bother to check... and the tire blows out as a result (*cough*Ford*cough*). In that situation other people on the road can pay as well. 'Course you could argue that oil is not a finite resource and increased oil consumption will raise the prices for everyone.

Honestly, I'd rather be in a situation where stupid people weren't driving, and people (stupid or not) weren't so dependent on cars. But that's where we're at now, so we might as well make the best of it.

As far as government research... heh. How's that whole internet thing working out for ya? :lol_hitti
 

stopdroplol

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And they paid someone hourly a living wage to do that, they didn't expect a flatrate tech to stop making money and work for free, as they do now.

Well maybe they should take some pride in their work and just do something right. They really have nothing to cry about, unlike most other technical trades, there is no required education, certification, and very little (if any) regulative oversight when working on vehicles. If it were up to me, they'd be required to do a lot more than check the tire pressure.
 
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theoldwizard1

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CARB California Air Resources Board is the monkey boy of the EPA, basically charged with implementing whatever it takes to meet EPA guidelines.
Boy do you have that wrong !

I have a friend who has to deal these organizations almost daily. If anything it is the the other way around. CARB comes up with a new idea, and then EPA decides whether it should go nationwide.

Somethings are getting a bit out of hand in CA. Certain vehicle options just won't be available in CA in the future. (Personally, I'm shocked that they allowed the new Mustang Track Key.)
 

garfunkle24

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At least give me the courtesy of a couple dots ... when you edit my quote.

I would, if I had edited your post. At worst, I could be accused of quoting you out of context, even though the context doesn't matter here and I was merely highlighting the part I was addressing. Let me clarify, in full context:

I don't care whether you think all or only some of their policy decisions are ill-informed and ill researched; If you say that without having the information and research yourself, you are a hypocrite.
 

Toolhorder

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Well maybe they should take some pride in their work and just do something right. They really have nothing to cry about, unlike most other technical trades, there is no required education, certification, and very little (if any) regulative oversight when working on vehicles. If it were up to me, they'd be required to do a lot more than check the tire pressure.

Maybe you should get your head out of your *** before you start spouting off. You're completely ignorant of the automotive industry.
 

Jeeprz!

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I was looking through the Tooltopia sale items, and found a CARB California approved tire inflator, a Branik, never heard of a regulation on tire inflators. Whats the scoop?

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and for those GJ peeps who are not celibrating it today, I hope you had a good day too 8)

Op, sorry if i misunderstood but your question said approved tire inflator, not regulation tire inflator, I think the answer to your question is here;

- "Perform the tire pressure service using a tire pressure gauge with a total permissible error no greater than + two (2) pounds per square inch (psi)."

So my take is that they are regulating the "accuracy" of the device by set standards. So while you may be able to buy any tire inflator, if it doesnt meet the standards it is not CARB approved. Like organic food products.
 
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Danglerb

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Any agency that prevents me from fun with my car I feel free to define in any demeaning way I see fit.

This does seem like a good idea, I can hardly wait for the ASE certifications for tire inflation going up on walls.
 

Jeeprz!

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"Example, Volkswagen New Beetle, 2000 model, its on the inside of the gas filler door"

To me that sounds like a brilliant place to put that information as well as a reminder to check your tires, I think it should be that way on every vehicle. New drivers would learn a good habit to see it from the get go everytime they fill up. Granted you can't fix stupid or lazy, but I cant remember the last time i read the sticker in my door jamb or glove box.
 
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