GM to Add Tire Monitoring Systems on SUVs, Pickups

General Motors has announced it plans to add tire pressure monitors to its sport utility vehicles, pickups and minivans beginning with 2003 models.

Since the Firestone tire recall, automakers are looking more intensely at dashboard monitors that tell drivers when their tire pressure is too low. GM already has monitors as standard or optional equipment on at least a dozen models, ranging from the $18,000 Oldsmobile Alero to the $41,000 Chevrolet Corvette.

Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Chrysler also offer tire pressure monitors on a few models. Tire monitoring systems have been around for years but have been used mainly on big rigs and off-road vehicles. They began appearing on cars about four years ago.