13 Jun EcoTip #9 – Proper Tire Pressure Saves Gas Reduces Pollution

When was the last time you checked your tire pressure? Keeping tires properly inflated is one way you can help reduce carbon pollution and impact global warming.

Government studies show that as many as one-third of all cars on the road may have tires that are under-inflated. One study found that 90 percent of drivers are not checking or maintaining tire pressures properly.

Gas mileage can improve as much as 10 percent when you keep your tires inflated at recommended levels.

Keeping tires inflated can save from one to three dollars or more per tank of gas. If you fill your tank once a week, the savings could add up to one-hundred-dollars a year. It's an easy way to have a real impact on greenhouse gas emissions: Each gallon of gas saved prevents 19 pounds of climate-changing carbon pollution from being emitted into the air.

To make sure you are checking tire pressure properly, first, buy a good tire gauge. Dial or digital gauges are easiest to read. Next find the correct recommended pressure for your tires by looking on the metal label or sticker located in-side the frame of the driver's door, or in your car owner's manual. Check your tire pressure before you drive, while the air inside your tires is cool. Add air to any tire that is under-inflated. Don't forget to replace any valve stem caps you removed while checking your tires.

Source:
U.S. Department of Energy – www.fueleconomy.gov
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.shtml