Goodyear has announced a new self-inflating tire technology that would automatically maintain a tire’s air pressure. Currently under development, Air Maintenance Technology (AMT) would do away with the need for manual pressure checks and result in better fuel economy, longer tire life, and enhanced safety. All the components to maintain optimal pressure, including pumps, valves, and sensors, would be contained within the tire.

Goodyear has not announced how soon this technology will be available to consumers, but said that it’s received new research grants from the European Union and the United States that will accelerate the timeline.

Tire pressure is one of the most important checks you need to make on your vehicle. A recent survey by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) found that only 15 percent of drivers say they know how to correctly check tire pressure. Sixty-two percent of drivers do not know where to find the correct inflation pressure for their vehicle, 43 percent do not know that tires should be checked when they are cool, and 52 percent of drivers do not know how to tell if their tires are bald.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under-inflated tires contribute to more than 600 highway fatalities and 33,000 thousand injuries each year. They also waste gas--1.2 billion gallons of fuel annually.

To ensure proper inflation, check tires monthly using the pressures recommended on your car’s door-sill placard.

Learn more about tire safety. Also, check out our guide to vehicle maintenance for other tips on keeping your vehicle in top shape.