Your four tires offer a critical connection to the road, according
to the Car Care Council. Check them at least monthly. Low tire pressure
adds rolling resistance, making it harder for the engine to move your
car.
Proper tire pressure, which should be posted on your car door,
improves gas mileage by 3.3%, or about 10 cents a gallon, the council
says.
Underinflation stresses a tire’s internal fabric and steel cord so
they flex beyond designed limits and lose their bond to the rubber. The
result can be a blowout.
Don’t wait for your car’s tire pressure monitoring system to light
up, as it may be too late to save the tire. Instead, check air pressure
when the tires are cool — summer weather and friction can cause the
pressure inside to rise, giving you a false sense of security.
Also, check the tire tread by inserting a penny: If you can see all of Abraham Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires. If the tires look unevenly worn, have your wheel balance and alignment checked.
