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Use the Change as a Reminder to Air Your Spare (Tire)

The seasons are changing and, for many of us, that means a time change as well. For many, the time change has not only been earmarked as a time to reset the clock but also as a subtle reminder to check or replace the batteries in our home smoke detectors. Perhaps now is the time to add one more simple and very critical safety task to our list of things to do when we turn back our clocks - and that is to air your spare (tire that is).

Remember, with the change of time and the seasons; don't take your tires for granted. Check tire inflation often, for security, fuel economy, and for peace of mind.

When was the last time you checked the air pressure in your spare tire, or any of your tires for that matter?

According to a recent study by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), 71 percent of drivers do not check the tire pressure in their spare tire. A survey conducted by the sales engineers at Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire revealed that of 74 spare tires, only one tire was properly inflated and the average tire pressure was less than 50 percent of that recommended for the spare.

When it comes to tire care many people are not performing the most basic maintenance techniques," said Trisha Hessinger, national spokeswoman for Firestone Tire & Service Centers. "Certainly maintaining the four visible tires on your vehicle makes a lot of sense, but what if you need that spare? Typically the spare is the tire you need to depend on in a pinch, but if you never check the air pressure it may not perform at the crucial moment when you need it most. Keeping tires properly inflated also aids in getting the most gas mileage - with fuel prices at all time highs this could be a great cost savings."

Tires normally lose one psi each month due to air permeation thru the sidewall. It helps to think of a tire as a balloon – after time the air in a balloon will drop due to air leaking through the balloon's surface. Air will dissipate through the tire's sidewall in the same way. It is also important to note that with the change in seasons there is often a change in temperature -- for every 10 degree (F) drop in ambient temperature a tire will lose one psi. And it's the air that carries the load, so less air pressure means less load carrying capacity.

How do you check your tire pressure? Typically you can find the correct inflation pressure for original vehicle tires on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb, in the glove compartment, or in the vehicle owner's manual. Be certain to check the tire pressure with a good tire gauge when the tire is cold.

A "no-brainer" monthly reminder can be established simply by registering on the Web at www.tiresafety.com. The Web site offers a variety of useful information to help you understand tires and the integral role they play in maximizing your vehicle's performance.

Remember with the change of time and the seasons; don't take your tires for granted. Check tire inflation often for security, fuel economy and for peace of mind. The savings may be every bit as critical as those you reap when replacing the battery in your smoke detector.

For a Dependable Motor Vehicle
visit us in the Redwood Auto Care Center
Across the street from the Skyview Drive-In

2335 Soquel Drive
Santa Cruz CA 95065
831-462-4436
Monday-Friday/8:00 am-5:00 pm