Tire pressure

• Lower gas mileage - Lower tire pressure means lower gas mileage.  For each pound of under inflation, your gas mileage can drop up to 1 percent!

• Tire failure - Under inflation is the leading cause of tire failure.

• Faster tread wear - Lower tire pressure also causes the tread to wear out faster and forces premature replacement.  

• Poorer handling - The point where the tire meets the road is a crucial element in determining the ride control of your vehicle.  Under inflation prevents your ride control system from functioning properly.

So what is the proper tire pressure for your vehicle?

While there is a lot of information available in the market, the best way to determine this is refer to your owner's manual.  Each vehicle is designed by the manufacturer with a specific tire and tire pressure in mind.  Some things to keep in mind.

• The proper tire pressure is available to you in a number of locations in the owner's manual or on the door jam or doorpost.  Many vehicles now also have sticker on the interior of the gas cap.
• The pressure listed on the exterior of the tire is the maximum pressure that the tire should be inflated to, not necessarily the ideal pressure.
• Always take the tire's pressure when the tires are cold driven less than one mile.
• Tires will lose about one pound per square inch (PSI) for every 10-degree drop in the temperature.
• Tires will also lose pressure over time about 1 PSI per month.
• To improve the life of your tires, rotate them on a regular basis - every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.  Every other oil change is a good rule of thumb.