As the weather transitions in Michigan and Ohio, now is as good a time as ever to check your tire pressure. Tire pressure is set at ambient temperature, which is the temperature of the surroundings. A 10 degree drop in ambient temperature roughly drops your tire pressure 1 psi. For example, a tire that was set perfectly at 65 degrees in October would automatically be 3 psi lower at 35 degrees in December.
Over time, a little air always escapes and with our busy lives drivers often neglect checking tire pressure. Between a drop in temperature and a month of not checking, a tire can easily be 5 psi lower than normal or more.
As a general rule of thumb, it is a good idea to check the air pressure in your tires every other time you stop to fill up at the gas station. For details on how to properly set your tire pressure visit your local tire store to have your tires checked by ASE Certified professionals. Also read Let the Air Out! Nitrogen Tire Inflation Saves Money and Improves Treadlife to learn about the benefits of filling tire with nitrogen instead of air. Belle Tire is a Michigan based tire retailer actually invented the word Nitro-Nize®. Belle Tire offers nitrogen free with new tires and top those tires off for free the rest of their treadlife.
In addition to checking your tires pressure and tire wear, here are some other tips you should not overlook when caring for your car:
Top Ten Tips to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter
Early Fall is a good time to get your vehicle ready for the colder weather ahead, but it is never too late to take your car in for routine maintenance. Here are the top ten tips you can do yourself, or request one of the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified technicians at Belle Tire to perform, to get your car ready for winter:
1. Have your battery and terminal checked
2. Have your radiator checked
3. Change oil & fluids regularly
4. Check belts and hoses for cracks, leaks and bulges as well as checking to see if all clamps are secure
5. Get winter / snow tires installed
6. Run through all signal and light functions to ensure they are working properly
7. Check windshield washer fluid and wipers for wear
8. Ensure the heater and defroster are in good working condition
9. Get engine drivability problems corrected (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, etc.)
10. Pack a kit with gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a first aid kit, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight and always have a charged cell phone.
Remember, tire pressure should be checked with a quality air gauge as the inflation pressure can't be accurately estimated through a visual inspection. Take your car to Belle Tire to have your tires inspected and since winter is near, get your vehicle ready!
About Belle Tire
Belle Tire is an industry leader in the tire and auto service business. Belle Tire is driven to provide customers with a quality product at competitive price, professionally installed by ASE Certified Auto Repair Professionals. At Belle Tire, you’ll always get out the door with more value, services and protection with the purchase of every tire installation than the competition can offer, at any price! For the Lowest Tire Price, Period and great low prices on Custom Wheels, Alignments, Brakes, Batteries, Oil and Lube, Shocks & Struts, Windshield Repair and Replacement, and more. Visit http://www.belletire.com and join our online communities: YOUTUBE: BelleTire, FACEBOOK: BelleTireDistributors, TWITTER: @belletire.
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