Thrifty Thursday: Car Maintenance: Tires, Part 1

Alright people of the blog-a-sphere, if you own or drive a car there are some BASIC things you NEED TO KNOW!!!

The other day I posted this story about my ridiculous neighbors... And so I have been thinking about how to write a post about these basic things.

The first item on the list of 5 basic car maintenance is to know how to check your tire pressure and how to change a tire.

How to check you tire pressure:

Step 1: Buy one of these, a tire pressure gauge. They are really cheap, and work WAY better than the ones on the air dispenser. 

Step 2: Check the tire pressure. Remove the valve stem cover. Put the gauge on the stem press slightly till you here the 'psst' sound. The end of the gauge should come out telling you the pressure. 

Note: The pressure the tire should be inflated to is printed on the wall (side) of the tire.

It is in small writing, and can be hard to find, just keep looking around the edge of the rim, you will find it.

Step 3: If needed fill the tire with compressed air. You can do it with a foot pump, like for a bicycle, but it will be really hard. Or you can go to your local gas station and fill up at their air and water station. Be sure to check the pressure every so often when filling as so to not over fill the tire.

Step 4: Replace the valve stem cover.

That is it! You won't even get dirty doing it.

Here are a few things to know about your tires and the pressure.
1. Under inflated tires will hurt your gas mileage, BUT over inflated tires can cause blow outs which are VERY DANGEROUS.
2. Check your tire pressure when the tires are cold. In the morning before you drive anywhere is ideal.
3. Tires will lose about a pound of pressure a month. Check tire pressure at every gas fill up.
4. The tire pressure printed in your manual or on the inside of the door frame is WRONG! Go with the pressure on the tire.


Next Thursday will be how to change a tire.