Want to save money on gas? Keep your tires at the right tire pressure! I have learned this the hard why by seeing my mpg (mile per gallon) drop. It is important to check your ride’s tire pressure at least once a month, and this is why:

1. Most tires will naturally lose air over time

2. Tires can lose air suddenly if you drive over a pothole or hit a curb

3. With radial tires, you can not tell by simply looking whether your tire needs air

There are tire pressure gauges on many air pressure machines, but do yourself a favor and buy a tire pressure gauge to keep in your ride. You can get these at Wal-mart, Pep Boys, a tire store, etc.

Your ride maker’s recommended tire inflation pressure is the proper psi (pound per square inch) when your tire is cold. When I say cold, I am not referring to the outside temperature. A cold tire is one that has not been driven on for at least three hours.

As you know, when you drive your tires get warmer. This causes the air pressure within them to increase. Your tires can get warm after driving just a short distance.

Therefore, to get an accurate tire pressure reading, you need to measure tire pressure when your tires are cold or at least compensate for the extra pressure if your tires are already warm.

Tags: air pressure machine, cold tire, mpg, psi, save money on gas, sport compact, tire pressure, tire pressure gauge, warm tire
Filed under: Cars