Did you know that if you take good care of your tires and pay special attention to tire pressure and wear, your tires can help increase fuel economy and get you rollin’ down the road twice as long?

It’s true!

When tires don’t have enough air or what’s commonly known as tire pressure, they get hot much faster and you risk the chance of a blowout.  They’ll also tend to wear on the outside edge, which is something you can spot right away - frayed edges are a sure sign tires need to be replaced very soon. When tires are ill-inflated, it can mean as much as a full mile in extra fuel costs, and these days with gasoline prices skyrocketing, who need to pay more at the pump than we really need? Lastly, tires which are ill-inflated certainly affect our driving experience because it affects the way the vehicle handles on the road.

It’s easy to check for the right tire pressure, even when you don’t have a tire pressure warning light on your dash:

First, you’ll want to look in your glove box, on the inner side of the driver door, or vehicle handbook for precise recommendations and note the proper pressure required.  Next, you’ll want to get a tire gauge if you don’t have one already.  A tire gauge can be purchased at any automotive store for less than $20.00.

Remember to check the tires in the morning, after your vehicle has been sitting for awhile.  To check the tires too soon after driving will produce an inaccurate reading because of the expansion of air when the tires are hot.

Now that you’ve got your handy tire gauge, remove the cap from the tire valve and push the end of the gauge onto the valve stem. If you hear a hissing sound, not to worry all is well.  Compare the reading on the tire gauge with the recommended pressure for your tires and car and then add enough air to achieve the recommended pressure.  If you add to much air, it’s a quick fix just release it by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the valve with the tip of your fingernail. 

Keep in mind that it’s important not to add too much or too little air. Too much air could cause the tread to separate from the steel belt, while not enough air could cause the tire to slip right off the wheel.  Once again, check your manual for tire pressure recommendations and never exceed the maximum tire pressure imprinted on the tire’s sidewall.

Replace the valve cap and that’s it you’re done!

You should check the tire pressure at least once every two weeks and don’t forget to check your spare tire, too!

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