Keep The Pressure Up On Your Vacation
August 20, 2007 – 7:10 am
With the approach of the Labor Day weekend, the kids will be heading back to school and the summer vacation season is nearing an end. Unfortunately, the roller-coaster gasoline prices this year have forced us to factor gas prices into our vacation plans like never before. Families are constantly seeking ways to increase fuel economy and squeeze out more miles per tank. However, instead of focusing purely on the fuel gauge, experts suggest paying more attention to your tires.
According to Fred Koplin of Yokohama Tire Corporation, “Tires that are under-inflated by just 6 to 7 psi (pounds per square inch) can reduce fuel economy by 2 percent or more … and tread wear life by as much as 10 percent.
He goes on to explain, “When a tire is under-inflated, the car’s weight rests more on the tire’s shoulders than its center, causing poor fuel economy, uneven wear and a less-than-firm ride, which can significantly reduce driver control.”
I can remember a time in the not too distant past when drivers were frequently reminded about tires because changing a flat tire was an all too common experience. Today, tires boast advanced tread designs, sidewalls, belts and compounds, and they work so well, they’ve practically become an afterthought for most drivers. When was the last time that you had a flat? Some tires are even designed to allow you to continue driving when the tire goes flat.
The Auto Club reports that as many as 86 percent of drivers don’t check their tire inflation properly. Hopefully, as gas prices continue to rise, this percentage is likely to start dropping as former tire novices learn how to maintain proper pressure levels.
So let’s take a look at some tire inflation basics. First, the tire’s proper inflation level can be found on a placard in the glove box or on the car door or in the owner’s manual. In addition, the proper inflation range is also imprinted in the sidewall of the tire. Some simple tire maintenance rules include:
- Once a month, when the tires are cold, or at least 3 to 4 hours after the vehicle has been driven, check tire pressure with a reliable tire gauge. (Normal driving causes tires to heat, raising air pressure. Releasing air when tires are hot may dangerously under-inflate the tires.) And be sure that the valve stems have a plastic or metal cap to keep out dirt and seal against leakage.
- Tires should be rotated at least every 5,000 to 8,000 miles and the alignment should be checked once a year. Misaligned tires can cause the car to drag, which lowers mileage and causes unnecessary tire wear.
- An over-inflated tire puts less tread on the road and increases wear on the center of the tread. A tire is designed to run with the vehicle’s weight spread evenly across the tire’s width.
- Visit Yokohamatire.com or the Rubber Manufacturers Association’s website for additional tire care and safety tips.
Life is short so don’t let high gas prices cause miss out on those great summer vacation memories. Put some fresh air back into your summer vacation travels – check your tire pressure.
Portions of this article are courtesy of ARAcontent