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To maintain the proper air pressure in your tires takes very little effort. By doing that simple chore, you can save 4% on your annual gas costs. It is estimated that a 4% savings equates to between $100 and $200 per year. Just follow the advice listed here and start saving. The correct tire pressure is different from car to car and from tire to tire. The correct or manufacturer recommended pressure for the tires on personal vehicles can be from 20 psi to over 50 psi. The correct tire pressure for your vehicle is listed on the information placard. This placard is normally located on the edge of one of the doors, the inside post of one of vehicle's doors or inside the glove compartment, trunk, or fuel door. Your owner's manual should include the correct tire pressure or direct you to the placard's location on your vehicle. A common misconception is that the pressure listed on the tire sidewall is the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure. It is not. It is actually the maximum tire pressure that the tire can safely be inflated to. This is also usually the pressure that is required to carry the maximum load the tire is rated for. Once you find the recommended tire pressure then you have to be able to measure the tire pressure on all of your tires to make sure they are at the correct pressure. Here is the correct way to measure tire pressure. To measure and maintain proper tire pressure: Step 1: Make sure you have a tire pressure gauge. There are many kinds. You do not need an expensive one. A gauge with a dial is easier to read than the pop up kind. Step 2: Check the tire air pressure informational sticker or the car operating manual to determine the manufacturer suggested pressure for your tires. Once you have that information you can proceed with the actual measurement. Step 3: Only measure pressure when the tires are cold. Tires are cold if they have not been driven for more than 1 mile or have been at rest at least 3 hours. Step 4: Remove the top or cap from the valve on the tire and insert the gauge onto the valve. Make sure you press the gauge snugly on the valve. You should not hear air coming from the tire if you have the pressure gauge properly affixed onto the valve. If you hear air escaping pull the gauge off of the valve and reseat it. Once it is seated properly you can note the reading on the gauge. Step 5: If needed, inflate the tire to achieve recommended air pressure. If you put too much air in you can release air by pushing on the stem at the inside center of the valve. Re- measure the pressure to make sure it is correct and adjust the air again if needed. Keep repeating this cycle of adding or subtracting air and remeasuring until the desired pressure is reached. Step 6: Repeat the above procedure for each of the tires. Check your tire pressure at least once per month is the standard recommendation you should follow. A tire's pressure will change as air will leach from a tire over time. Use and heat can help to accelerate the rate that air is lost. If you check once per month you can be certain that your tires will remain at the correct pressure all year. Check your tires. Follow the steps above. There is no easier way to put $100 to $200 dollars of gas costs back into your pocket.
Article Source: http://www.bizpong.com
Scott Siegel is the author of a 143 page book of automotive industry insider information on saving gas and money at the pump. Visit us to learn how you can get better gas mileage. Find out how to increase gas mileage. Click here to get your own unique version of this article from the lower gas costs Articles Submissions Service
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