Maintaining Tire Pressure
Tire pressure may not seem like a big deal, but it can have a huge impact on the life of your tires — not to mention the life of your checking account. Did you know that underinflated tires can mess with your gas mileage? It's true. And bad gas mileage + the cost of fuel = you sad and broke. Find yourself a snazzy tire gauge and check those tires. It's definitely worth it.
- Use a reliable tire gauge to check your tires when they are cold. That means the tire has been driven less than a mile, or has been stationary for at least three hours.
- Where do you find what pressure is right for your tires? You can find the tire inflation pressure numbers in your vehicle's owner's manual, the sticker on the door jamb or the glove box door.
- Unscrew the small tire valve cap that covers the valve stem on the wheel.
- Place the end of the tire gauge over the valve, press the tire gauge straight down and firmly until the scale extends.
- If needed, add air and recheck pressure with the tire gauge. Replace the valve cap. Don't overdo it as over-inflation is dangerous!
- Tires can lose one pound per square inch (psi) every month, and for every 10°F temperature drop, a tire can lose one pound of inflation pressure, so it is important that you check your tires once a month.
- If American drivers maintained their tires at the recommended inflation pressure, motorists could save more than 2 billion gallons of gasoline every year. Not only that, if your tires are under-inflated they will wear out sooner and you'll have to replace them, costing you even more money.
Road Trip Tips
Coasting into Spring
Winter Car Care and Driving Tips
Tips for Driving in Wet or Snowy Conditions
Distracted Driving Tips
Biking Tips
Maintaining Your Tire Pressure
Checking Your Tire Treads
Avoiding Accidents
Increasing Your Vehicle's Fuel Economy
Advice for Parents of New Drivers