Tag Archive for ‘tires’

Three tips to improve gas mileage

Cars cost. From maintenance to fuel, insurance to state registration, an automobile is a guaranteed bill for as long as it is owned.

However, there are ways to optimize use. and they start with getting better gas mileage. Better gas mileage not only lengthens the life of your car, but it also saves money with less frequent trips to the pump, which also saves time.

For those that are on a budget, there are three quick steps one can take that will improve gas mileage and, additionally, car performance. All three can be done, without spending money, and have proven results in car performance on fuel efficiency.

Tips for long term parking at the airport – and avoiding your auto repair shop

Airport Parking Tips to Avoid the Auto Repair Shop

Most of us have probably parked our car at the airport at one point or another. Sometimes for just a brief trip and sometimes for an extended period of time, while you are whisked away for a long waited vacation. Ok, maybe it was just a business trip. We typically don't think much happens to our cars once they are parked neatly in their spot at the airport long term parking, until something does happen.

How to find a leak in your car’s tire

Nail in a tire causing leak

If you are tired of stopping to fill your car tire up with air every chance you get and you don't want to take the car in to have a mechanic find the leak for you - and you paying for it - there is something you can do.

Finding a leak in a tire is quite easy. If you have air compressor at home you can do it at home, if not drive one more time to the air pump at the gas station with your flat tire on board.

What does a penny have to do with your car tire’s tread depth?

Using a penny to check tire tread depth

Have a penny and car tires, you are set. You are set to test the wear on your car tires - by using a penny. 

Simple, right? Right. Your car tires have to have a certain tread depth for safety, the less tread is left the more dangerous the driving becomes especially in heavy rain or snow.

Here is what you do to test the wear on your car tires with a penny.

Grab a penny.

How often should you rotate your car tires?

Tire to be rotated

You have probably heard that it is important to have your tires periodically rotated. The tire rotation is important to extend the life of your tires and for safety. Tires don't always, hardly ever, wear evenly. Typically the front tires on a front wheel drive car wear faster than the rear tires, and in a rear-wheel drive car, the rear tires wear faster. The load on the car and even the road conditions, how many right or left turns you take etc. all effect how the tires of your car wear. By rotating the tires periodically you will ensure a much more even wear and extend the life of the tires.

How to put air into car tires

Tire Pressure Gauge

This should be easy right? Just put in some air into the car tires. Yes, it's pretty simple and it doesn't take long. It cannot be emphasized enough how keeping your car tires evenly inflated will extend the the life of the tires, fuel efficiency and reduce other wear and tear. However checking your tire pressure is often ignored.

How do you put air into the car tires?
When you go to a gas station you will see an air pump machine, often next to the vacuum cleaners, that will do the job, with your help that is.

Tire wear on the sides, middle or choppy tire wear

Worn out tire tread

1). If your tire treads are worn in the middle, this is usually a sign of over inflation. Note the middle of the tire is worn and the outside treads are still in good shape. The tire's middle treads wore out because the tire only contacted the road in the middle due to over inflation.

2).If your tire treads are worn on the outside, this is usually an indicator of under inflated tires. The middle treads were not touching in a straight line due to the fact they were away from the road surface folding upwards in a concave way.

Tips on saving some gas and your money

Are you wondering what you can do to get most for the gas in your tank?

Preventive maintenance and your driving habits affect how much or how little gas you or your car consumes. There are a few things you can do to better the fuel economy of your car.

Inflating your tires to the proper tire pressure

• Tire pressure is one of the things on your vehicle that needs to be checked most frequently.

Tire pressure should be checked at least once a month or when the tire looks low.

1). First check the maximum tire pressure rating for the tires on your car.   (should be located on the tire)

2). Unscrew the valve stem caps.

3). Then take a tire pressure gauge and firmly hold it against the valve stem (making sure there is no air leaking).  Double check the pressure to insure accuracy.

Steering wheel shakes? Car drifts from side to side?

If your vehicle drifts from one side of the road to the other and/or the steering wheel shakes while driving you should have the front end of your vehicle checked. If there is a problem with some of the front end components, these conditions can cause other components to wear which can become a safety issue. Ask your mechanic to check the tie rod ends and the wheel bearings for looseness. If the vehicle drifts and the tires are wearing evenly one solution maybe to rotate the tires, This may resolve the drifting problem. If your steering wheel shakes above 50 mph it is likely that your wheels simply need balancing. If the vehicle shakes at 20 to 40 mph you may have a bent wheel or a tire with a bubble or bad belt.

Does your car need an Alignment?

No one likes spending extra money at the time of tire replacement.  However, if your tires are worn out from uneven wear you may need an Alignment. If you don’t get your wheels aligned your new tires will wear out prematurely and you will have to spend money on new tires once again. A sk your tire dealer or repair shop if your car or truck needs an alignment and ask them to show you how the uneven wear on your old set of tires is symptomatic of an out of alignment car.