You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out properly inflated tires will improve your gas mileage and make your tires last longer.
According to the Department of Energy, under inflated tires can waste up to 3.3% of your fuel costs.
You already spend enough money at the gas station why pay more for air? The costs can really add-up over time, especially since gas-station air compressor shut-off times are short and the gauges are never accurate.
Gas station air is dirty and filled with moisture that can lead to premature failure of the TPMS (tire pressure monitor sensor). The dirt and moisture will also degrade metal wheels and rubber tires, which can be a dangerous combination not to mention costing you a lot of money down the line.
Getting the right air compressor in the garage and keeping an inflator in each of your vehicles is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself and family.
The key to maintaining optimal tire pressure is consistency. If you're thinking that you could just wait for your TPMS to let you know when the tires are low, you could be asking for trouble since most will not activate until they sense a 20% drop in pressure, or they fail completely.
You should check your tires when they're cold at least once a month, every 1,000 miles, or when there are large shifts in temperature. Rubber is a natural, porous material and will lose pressure to the atmosphere. For every 10 degrees drop in temperature, your tires lose roughly 1 pound of pressure.
A regular tire gauge and an inflator can actually save you gas money, reduce roadside emergencies, and extend your tire's life.
Instead of letting your tire gauge sit around in your glove box, put it to use. It takes just seconds to measure the air pressure of your tires with this handy tool.
Portable air compressors are more versatile and easier to use than ever before. They are precise, simple and will inflate your tires in mere minutes. They are also great for filling up balls, rafts and pool toys.
Be sure to check your spare tire's pressure in the spring and fall. It's very important you do so as outdoor temperature changes can cause dramatic swings in pressure.