Keep the pressure on!!

These simple tips will save you money on fuel consumption and maximize the life of your tires. The first and easiest maintenance tip, check your tire pressure once a month, and before a long trip. If you do not know how to inspect your tire pressure ask your mechanic, or attend an auto school to learn how.

If you don’t know the proper tire pressure for your car should be, check these following areas of your vehicle; the owners manual, the drivers side door jam, inside the fuel hatch, or the inside of the glove compartment. This information is never listed on the tire. The inflation pressure shown on the tire sidewall a maximum tire pressure only - not what is recommended for the particular vehicle.

Secondly, beware of the public pressure gauges at gas stations; they are often out of calibration. Ensure you purchase a good pressure gauge and check it with your mechanic for accuracy. Always check your tires when they are cold before heading out on your trip.

Valve stems are a regular maintenance item and should be checked as part of your regular maintenance program. Valve stems are made of rubber and deteriorate over time, replace them when you buy tires or when your rotate your tires. A worn valve stem can bend at highway speeds allowing air loss from your tires.

Lastly, and definitely the most often overlooked consideration when checking the integrity of your tires is the status of your valve caps – yes those little black caps missing on our tires valve stems. These caps keep out moisture which could freeze and cause air significant air loss. These caps also keep out dirt which can interfere with the function of the valve stem and cause air loss from your tire.

A good mechanic will take the time to monitor the wear and tear on your tires, advise you how to increase the life of your tires, improve the comfort and safety of your ride and why you must always keep the pressure on!