subject: Tyre Maintenance Can Save You Money [print this page] You cannot guess your tyre pressure, unless you have a flat tyre so you need to use a proper accurate tyre pressure gauge. This will tell you what the tyre pressure is and whether or not you need to inflate any of them or not. This test is best done whilst the tyres are cold, so before travelling is a good idea. Hot tyres will give a false reading so do not do this test immediately after driving your car. It is important that the tyres are inflated to the correct level, under or over inflated tyres are dangerous both to yourself and to other road users. It is also an offence in some countries so it is important to check regularly. For the average driver, weekly is sufficient but if you are clocking up a large mileage, it may be necessary to check every day or every other day. Consult your vehicle's handbook for the correct pressures and make sure that all your tyres are inflated to the correct level. Remember that fuel efficiency is reduced by around one percent for every three pounds of pressure that is under inflated.
You need to keep an eye on the wear of your tyres too. Most tyres have markers or indicators in the tread where you can tell easily if your tyres need to be replaced. Watch for these markers levelling up with the tread. If you are unsure, have your mechanic check for you. Watch for uneven wear on your tyres as this can be the symptom of a mechanical problem or it could just mean that your pressure is not correct. Tyres need replacing regularly and it is a good idea to keep the same type and brand on each axle as mixing cross ply with directional tyres is not a good idea. New tyres take a bit of time to 'bed in' and it is a good idea to keep at steady speeds for the first 100 miles of use. Try to drive in a steady and safe manner which will reduce the need for emergency braking and avoid turning at high speeds as this will ruin your tyres quickly. Tyres are an expensive part of car maintenance and you want to get as much mileage as possible out of them before you have to replace them.
Do a monthly check of your wheels and tyres as a matter of routine. Not only will you become very familiar with your tyres, but you will be able to see anything amiss before it becomes a major problem. Don't neglect your spare wheel either, you never know when you might need it and if it is not fit for use, you may as well not have it. It is a good idea to rotate your tyres, this is a good thing to do when your car goes to the garage for its annual service. This will ensure an even wear of your tyres.
Drive in a careful way, accelerate and brake gently and steadily, not only will this be fuel efficient, but you will also save your tyres from excessive wear. We all need to try and save a bit of money, so looking after your car is one way in which that can be achieved
by: Graham Baylis
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