by NPR Political Unit

John McCain's staff passed out tire pressure gauges on the campaign plane today, mocking rival Barack Obama's suggestion that properly-inflated tires and tune-ups could save as much oil as offshore drilling would produce.

The RNC is also sending tire pressure gauges to Washington-area newsrooms.

McCain believes he's found a potent issue with his offshore drilling proposal. Even in states like Florida, where vacation beaches are an economic asset of their own, a solid majority of voters now support expanded drilling offshore.

McCain will also highlight his support for nuclear power this week with a visit to the Fermi power plant in Michigan. But first he'll stop by the giant Sturgis motorcyle rally in South Dakota, where he can help some Harley enthusiasts check their tire pressure.

According to the Alliance to Save Energy, a pro-efficiency nonprofit, pumping up actually does help improve gas mileage. The organization estimates that properly inflated tires increase efficiency by about 3 percent, saving the average driver about 75 dollars a year.

— Scott Horsley

UPDATE: The Obama campaign weighs in with a 2006 press release from NASCAR, including the following relevant nugget:

With escalating fuel prices, the time is now for drivers to focus on simple things like proper tire pressure to maximize tire performance and increase fuel economy.

Too bad NASCAR dads are so 2004.