Jiffy Lube Service Centers are offering free “Summer Special” tire
pressure checks. Sounds like Jiffy Lube is trying to win the hearts and
minds of women everywhere. Hmmm, it's certainly hard to turn down
anything that's offered for free, so it's probably worth the trip.
Plus, who trusts those nasty tire pressure gauges at the gas station
anyway?
If it means I can save a few bucks on gas, then heck, why not?
Summer
is around the corner and Southland drivers are gearing up for their
annual road trips. But it seems gearing up has more to do with washing
and waxing than checking tires and changing oil.
A
recent poll of more than 500 Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, Riverside
and San Bernardino county drivers shows they may not be prepared to
make the long haul. Nearly 95% said they’re concerned with their car’s
appearance but only 20% pay attention to vehicle maintenance. Even
though car washes and garages seem equally prevalent, 85% of the people
surveyed wash their vehicles every two months while less than half
check for tire pressure as often. In fact, 25% check it three times a
year or less.
The survey also found that almost half of the
drivers didn’t know whether their battery required maintenance or
fluid. A dead battery is a surefire way to ruin a road trip.
Jiffy Lube, a nationwide car care service provider, is
helping Southern Californians summer-proof their vehicles by offering a
free tire pressure check at local Jiffy Lube service centers.
According
to the Society of Automotive Engineers, low tire pressure is the cause
of approximately 260,000 accidents each year. All major tire
manufacturers recommend monthly pressure checks and one right before
going on a long trip or when outside temperature changes significantly.
Jiffy Lube also suggests the following tire maintenance tips:
•
Check tire pressure when the temperature is low and before driving a
mile. If driven over a mile, measure and record the under-inflation
amount for each tire before driving
• Upon arriving at a service
station, measure each tire's inflation again and, if pressure has
increased, adjust the amount of additional air pressure needed. For
example, if cold pressure should be 35 per square inch (psi) but
started off at 28 psi, and current pressure is 33 psi, warm tires
should be inflated to 40 psi. Recheck when cold.
Proper auto care can also help save money. The
Department of Transportation found that properly inflated tires can
save about 5 cents per gallon in gasoline. With California having the
highest national average at $3.478 a gallon for self-serve unleaded,
drivers should make sure to check their tires when filling up at the
station.
To save additional money on gas, drivers should:
• Throw out junk - The Department of Energy estimates that drivers
can save anywhere between 3 and 6 cents a gallon (based on $2.97 a
gallon) just by removing excess weight from the car and trunk
• Learn to “Cruise” - Cruise control at highway speeds, especially
on long trips, can offer an average fuel savings of 7 percent
• Don’t idle – Sitting gets no miles per gallon
• Respect the law – Speeding, rapid starts and stops will all waste
precious gasoline. Being a sensible and safe driver can help save
anywhere between 15 and 98 cents a gallon (based on $2.97 a gallon)
• Follow the schedule – Drivers should refer to their owner’s manual
for maintenance information, e.g. tune-ups, oil changes, etc.
• Unclog filters – Whether it’s air or fuel, cleaning can optimize fuel efficiency
• Renew the spark – Plug, that is. Worn ones cause inefficient combustion and wasted fuel
• Tighten gas caps – Keeping it loose will evaporate fuel
