Tire Tips That Will Save You Money and Gas
Gas
prices remain high. What can you do to improve the
mileage you get per gallon? Many motorists know that
the inflation pressure in your tires affects the vehicle's
performance, but what might not be such common knowledge
is that it can also affect your wallet.
With gas prices reaching the highest point in recent
history Bridgestone wants to share some
simple tips to maximize the mileage you are receiving
on each gallon of gas.
Statistics compiled by the American Automobile Association
(AAA), show that fuel economy is compromised by 10
percent when tires are under inflated by only 2 psi
(pounds per square inch.) An under-inflated tire increases
rolling resistance, requiring your engine to work
harder. Proper tire inflation could save you several
hundred dollars annually at the gas pumps.
Additional data reveals that 80 percent of the cars
being driven today have improperly inflated tires.
Dave Van Sickle, of AAA, said that the organization
has been conducting inspections and monitoring vehicles
and maintenance habits for the last 20 years.
"Our research shows that this improper inflation
issue has been prevalent for years. Tires are something
that people continually overlook," said Van Sickle.
In vehicle inspections held across the country, AAA
checks tires, fluid levels and overall vehicle maintenance
as a service to the public. This information is logged
into a database that provides data for future travel
and automotive research.
It is also important for the consumer to remember
that tire pressure does not remain constant. As outdoor
temperatures change, so does the pressure in your
tires. In fact, tires may lose one to two psi (pounds
per square inch) each month, and even more as outdoor
temperatures change. Unfortunately, it is not possible
to just look at a tire to determine if the pressure
is appropriate. You have to use an air pressure gauge.
Proper tire inflation is not just the number printed
on the tire sidewall. Consumers should always refer
to the information from the automobile manufacturer,
which is commonly listed on the door jamb or in the
vehicle's owner's manual.
Because inflation pressure is something that is often
overlooked, Bridgestone/Firestone recently initiated
an educational campaign on tires and tire care. Included
in this campaign are brochures that are available
at over 10,000 participating Firestone retailers across
the country. The corporation has also launched a consumer
Web site, www. tiresafety.com. Special features of
the site include monthly e-mail reminders to check
the air pressure in your tires as well as well as
reminders for periodic rotations.
About Bridgestone Firestone North American
Tire, LLC:
Nashville-based Bridgestone Firestone North American
Tire, LLC (BFNT) is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas
Holding, Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation,
is the world's largest tire and rubber company. BFNT
develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone
and associate and private brand tires. The company
is focused on wholesale and original equipment markets,
supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle,
off-road, agricultural and other tires to its customers
in North America.
(Source: Bridgestone)