Save Money - Check Your Tire Pressure

Your tires are your only contact with the road when you are driving, it makes sense to take care of them. Checking you tire pressure and keeping it correct means your tires will wear out slower, you can get less friction and therefore better mileage and you are less likely to have a puncture. These three things can lead to big savings over time, and the air you put in doesn't cost a penny! You need not be daunted or scared either, its as simple as 1,2,3!

1. Drive to the Gas Station

Air changes pressure as it heats up and cools down, so driving to the gas station will mean that when you check your tires they will be closer to their normal pressure, rather than being cold. Park close enough to the air dispenser that you can reach all four wheels.

2. Remove the Valve Caps and Add Air

You then press the air dispenser nozzle firmly onto the valve, and it will read the tires pressure. Add air in short bursts until you reach the manufacturers recommended pressure that can be found in your cars handbook. If you have your own tire pressure gauge use that instead, as they are generally more accurate than gas station gauges.

3. Check Pressure and Replace Valve Caps

If you added a little too much air on your last short burst, use the rounded back of the air dispenser nozzle to press the small pin in the middle of the tire valve. Pressing it in will allow air out and let you get that pressure just right. After a little trial and error you'll get all 4 tires at the right pressure. Remember to put the valve caps back on to prevent moisture and dust from clogging the valve for next time.

Underinflated tires will 'sag' and contact more of the road, meaning they create more friction leading to more wear, excessive heat and increased fuel consumption. Overinflated tires can "blow out" more easily, make the car unstable and unsafe to handle by not having enough of the tire touching the road and they also wear out faster. Your car manufacturer recommends a certain tire pressure for a reason, and now it's cheap and easy to stick to that recommendation!

Article Source: EzineArticles.com