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!!!