Have you noticed a slight slump in your fuel economy lately?  Needing to fill up a bit more frequently than usual?  We're approaching the time of year (in the NorthEast, at least) where cooler temperatures may lead to lower tire pressure.  Did you know that proper tire pressure, not to mention good tires, is a key component of maximizing miles traveled per gallon of fuel (mpg)?  If not, now you do!

How do you know the pressure in your tires, or where to determine what the pressure SHOULD be?  First thing's first - find a tire pressure gauge!  It's good to keep one handy in your car, but you can also find them at the air-fill center at most fueling stations.  If you have your own compressor, you'll definitely want your very own gauge!  You can get simple, inexpensive mechanical ones, or fancy digital gadgets.  Either kind will do!

So how much air pressure is appropriate for your tires anyway?  You can check 1 of 4 places to find that answer:

• The label inside the door jamb (driver side) of modern vehicles
• Vehicle owner's manual
• Raised lettering/numbers on the tire itself
• The interweb, of course - though I recommend the other three unless the manufacturer's website contains such information, but even in that case many vehicles have multiple options so you'll have to be dilligent about acknowledging the accessory packages on your vehicle.

Once you're in the know you can top off the air in your tires!  Be careful not to overfill, of course.  If the hose you use for filling has an integrated pressure gauge then you should be fine.  Otherwise, take the time to pause, employ the gauge, and fill more if necessary!  **Tip: I recommend removing all valve stem covers and placing them in your pocket before starting - it's easy to lose those little buggers!

A few other things to check if you're using more fuel than seems normal (many of these should be updated on a regular maintenance schedule, and for good reason!):

• Engine intake air filter (you can change this yourself - refer to the user's manual and buy one at the local auto parts store!!)
• Oil change (are you up to date??)
• Spark plugs/wires
• Fuel filter (especially for older vehicles)
• Try a bottle of fuel injection cleaner, assuming that your vehicle has fuel injectors instead of a carburetor (vehicles of vintage mid-70's on should have fuel injectors)
• Top off all vehicle fluids, as necessary
• Your driving style and/or commute (I'll blog more about this topic next time!)

If you're not sure how to check these or how to know if it's time to worry about them, refer to the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual - it's a pretty useful tool, that owner's manual! 

Happy driving!!!

Image c/o lanier67So you're in the middle of an interstate at 8PM on a Sunday evening and you drive over something small and inconspicuous, practically unnoticeable except you're left feeling a bit of a tug in the steering... something feels strange. Could it be a flat tire? First thing's first – don't panic!! Simply employ a few helpful tips and you'll be back on the road in no time!

1. Pull off of the road so that you can verify the flat

2. Which tire is it? If it's a driver side tire and you've pulled off onto the right shoulder then I suggest finding a more open area to work in (SAFETY FIRST! While you can damage the wheel if you drive too long on a flat, and should do so only as a last resort, ensure your safety before all else).

3. Time to get the tools. Hopefully you have a true spare tire or a donut along with a jack, lug nut wrench, and if you're unfamiliar with changing tires you should grab your owner's manual as well.

-The tools should be in your trunk, typically in a compartment beneath the floor, along with the spare.

-I recommend that you carry an old bath towel or blanket with you at all times – it will come in handy for side-of-the-road vehicle repairs.

-If you do not have any form of a spare, or fix-a-flat, then you'll need to call for help.

4. Loosen the lug nuts (this may require a little muscle, so give it all you've got!) – this should be done before raising the car with the jack. Remember, lefty loosey, righty tighty. You'll want to turn the nuts counter clockwise in order to loosen them. Do not remove them yet – the objective is to crack them open on the ground so that you don't apply too much force when the car is up on the jack (prevent damage to vehicle and to yourself).

5. Position the jack beneath a structural point just inside of the wheel (refer to manual if necessary). You may want to place the towel on the ground for comfort and to eliminate getting dirty when placing the jack. Raise vehicle until the tire is above the pavement.

6. Remove the lug nuts completely – place them in a safe spot! (pocket, pile in the trunk)

7. Remove the tire – might take some muscle but you can do it! You'll want to take it home with you so that you can have it repaired (do not throw it away – even if the tire is destroyed you want the wheel!)

8. Position the spare tire (you're almost done!)

9. Replace the lug nuts finger tight. Lower the vehicle and remove the jack. Now finish tightening the lug nuts - torque those bolts as tight as you can!!! 

There you have it - you changed your OWN flat tire!

Let me know how it goes!

Any other car questions? Contact GG and let us know!