Tuesday Savings on the Homestead: Check Your Tires!
The tires on your vehicles are extremely important and they help you save money!
Properly inflated tires give you good gas mileage which means you save more at the gas pumps. Properly inflated tires also last longer and will show less wear and tear. You will also have better handling to help avoid accidents.
How to check your tires
You need a tire pressure gauge to check your tires. Some gas stations have an air compressor hose with a gauge on them to use. Otherwise, get yourself a tire pressure gauge. Make sure you are on a level surface to get an accurate reading.
Unscrew the cap off the valve stem and apply the tire pressure gauge firmly to the top of the valve stem. You need to have good contact in order to have a correct reading. The gauge will either light with a number or the white stick will shoot out to the number of the tire pressure in your tire.
Using the recommendations of your car manufacturer, check your tire pressure to see if it meets the requirement. I also use the tire pressure recommendation on the side of the tire. I usually make the tire pressure is between the car manufacturer and the tire manufacturers’ recommendations. I find the ride to be better when the tires are inflated to there.
If your tires need air, simply add air until the tires show the right amount of pressure. Check with your tire pressure gauge frequently to make sure you have enough and don’t over-inflate. Replace the valve stem caps when you are done.
You should check your tires at least once a month and more frequently in the winter. After checking your tire pressure, check your tires for any punctures, holes, gashes, weather checking, or general signs of wear. You will want to have them fixed or just keep an eye on them to make sure they are not getting worse.
If your tires are looking worn out or losing tread, you will want to have them replaced. A good method to deciding if they need to be replaced is to use a penny. Stick the penny head side down in the tire tread. If you can see all of the head, it is time to replace your tires.
I hope this information helps you to save money on your vehicle!
Have a great day!
Erica