How To Save $100 To $200 In Gas Just By Checking Your Tires. By Scott Siegel Keeping your tires at the recommended PSI (Pounds per square inch) can save you 4% on your annual gas costs. That could save the average family between $100 and $200 dollars per year. Here is how you determine and maintain the correct tire pressure.
The manufacturer recommended air pressure for the tires on your car can vary greatly from model to model. It can range anywhere from 20 pounds to 50 pounds per square inch. So how do you find the correct pressure for your tires?
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.
The pressure listed on the tire sidewall is the maximum tire pressure - or the tire pressure that is required to carry the maximum load of the tire. It is not the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure, which is a common misconception.
Once you know the correct tire pressure, you need to measure the tire pressure on all tires to ensure they are inflated correctly. The correct way to determine tire pressure:
To measure and maintain proper tire pressure:
Step 1:
First and foremost you need a tire pressure gauge. This may seem obvious but many people think they can tell if a tire is low by sight. I would not recommend that. You don't need an expensive gauge. One with a dial is easier to use than the kind with the pop up.
Step 2:
Determine the proper pressure for your tires by checking the pressure label or the owner's manual. Now you are ready to measure.
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:
Complete tire inflation pressure check: Remove the cap from the valve on one tire,
press the pressure gauge onto the valve and take a pressure reading. Make sure you press the pressure gauge completely onto the valve. You should not hear any air escaping from the tire as you are taking the reading. If air is escaping, remove the gauge from the valve and try reseating it again.
Step 5:
If you find the pressure is low, add air to the tire until you get to the correct air pressure. If you find the tire is over inflated or you put too much air in the tire, you can lower the pressure by pushing on the metal stem at the center of the valve which will allow air to escape from the tire. Measure the air pressure again to make sure you have the correct level and adjust the air in or out again if needed. Repeat measuring and adding or purging air until the desired pressure is reached.
Step 6:
Repeat this same step by step procedure for the other tires. It only takes one low tire to rob you of fuel economy, so you need to measure all 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.
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