The Importance Of Tire Pressure

When was the last time you checked the tire pressure on your car or truck?

Did you know that you can improve gas mileage in your car or truck if your tires are inflated to the proper pressure? The U.S. Department of Energy says properly inflated tires can lower gas mileage by .03 percent.

We all know that .03 percent is not a lot. But proper tire maintenance is important for your car or truck. A tire that is properly inflated is safer, and it lasts longer. So your savings extend beyond gas mileage.

To help you out, here are some tips for checking tire pressure.

Finding The Right Pressure: To check the proper tire pressure for your car or truck, look at the sticker found on the door jamb on the driver’s side door. If it’s not there, it’s probably in the glove box or the owner’s manual.

Tire Gauges: After you know the proper tire pressure, it’s time to find the right tire gauge. Both digital and needle tire gauges are fairly accurate. It’s more of a preference.

When To Check Tire Pressure: You can typically check tire pressure at any time. The only time you shouldn’t check tire pressure is:

• When the vehicle has been sitting for a few hours.
• When the vehicle has been driven a lot during the course of the day.

Once you have checked the tire pressure in one tire, be sure to check it in all four tires. People sometimes have the tendency to check only the tires that look low. It’s important to check the pressure in all four tires to be safe.

A good rule of thumb for checking pressure: Check your tire pressure after cleaning your car and tires. After your car is dry and the tire dressing formula has been applied, pull out the tire gauge and check your tires.