Menu

tire pressure

The Importance of Proper Tire Inflation

, , , ,

When measuring tire inflation you refer to its PSI, or pounds per square inch. A tire that’s inflated at 35 PSI can lose as much as 1 PSI a month! Do you have a clue as to what your tires’ recommended PSI is? This information can be found in various places. For your factory tires you can look at your vehicle owner’s manual, or on the vehicle’s door jam. In some vehicles it can be found inside the glove compartment door and inside the fuel hatch flap. An important thing to remember is that you need to find the pressure recommended for your vehicle. So, you won’t find it printed on the tire sidewall, as this is just the maximum pressure for that specific tire itself.

To get the most accurate reading of inflation check your tires when cold. This is due to the fact that your tires heat up as you are driving along the road, which causes pressure inside the tires to build up and expand. If your car has an internal tire pressure monitoring system this may also be the reason it indicates a low tire pressure on very cold mornings, then later turns off as the tires warm up.

Staying on top of your tire inflation is an essential part of proper vehicle maintenance. Using air pressure gauges at gas stations is alright if you’re in a jiffy, but chances are that it’s pretty worn and weathered. So, to get the most precise reading of your tires you’ll want to visit your trusted auto repair shop and their ASE certified technicians will be happy to check them for you.

Checking your tires PSI is one thing, but maintaining that level is another. Those tiny valve caps on your tires are extremely valuable to you and your vehicle. Yes, they keep out debris, but also prevent moisture from seeping in, which can lead to corrosion. So, to extend the life of your tires make sure that your valuable valves are tightly in place. Your MPG can increase 3.3 percent when your tires are properly inflated and that every bit of savings counts when it comes to high gas prices.

Your tires are the only thing connecting you to the roadway, so keeping them properly inflated is imperative to a safe and comfortable ride. These tips focus on proper tire inflation, but to get the most out of your tires, stop by our professional auto repair shop. We’ll be happy to check your balance and alignment to make sure you’re safe and driving straight on the roadways.

Checking Your Ties Regularly Can Keep You Safe and Save You Money

, ,

Have you checked your vehicle’s tires lately? It’s amazing how much rides on your vehicle’s tires. Not only can unevenly inflated or worn tires cost you money by reducing your vehicle’s efficiency and gas mileage, they can also be a safety hazard.

Check your tires every time you stop for gas. You don’t need to do much – just walk around your vehicle and take a quick glance at the tires. If you notice any problems like uneven wear or one that seems lower in air than the others, check the tire as soon as you get home. Use the penny test to check the tread. If you can insert a penny, upside down and with Abraham Lincoln’s portrait facing you, into the tread and still see Lincoln’s head, the tire treads are worn. Use a manual pressure gauge to check the tire pressure. The vehicle owner’s manual should provide you with the optimum pressure per tire, front and back. Never inflate the tires above the recommended pressure.

If you do notice that your vehicle’s tires are worn or one tire seems more worn than usual, take your vehicle into a tires shop or your favorite mechanic’s shop and have the alignment, balance and tires checked professionally. Uneven wear on tires or just one tire may be an indication of misalignment, and you may need to have the tire replaced. Not only will your vehicle handle more smoothly when the alignment is corrected, but it may also get better gas mileage. While it may only be pennies per mile, that saving adds up.

One last thing to check is the spare. Many people check their vehicle’s tires regularly but neglect to check the spare. Make sure your spare tire is properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s directions and instructions. Check to make sure your lug wrench, jack and safety cones or flares are in the trunk and that you’re familiar with the basic procedure for changing a tire.

It’s amazing how much rides on your tires. The next time you buckle your child into her car seat or climb into your vehicle, check your tires.