Make sure your tires are fully inflated and your car tuned up PDF Print E-mail

Background

If your car is in ship shape it will get better mileage and thus use less gasoline, saving you money and reducing your car-related emissions.

  • The U.S. government estimates that 4 million gallons of gas are wasted daily due to under-inflated tires! (Source: pumpemup.org)
  • Properly inflating your tires can extend their lives by 25%. (Source: pumpemup.org)
  • If everyone in Alaska maintained appropriate tire pressure, we would save 107 TONS of carbon each year—just from Alaska! (Sources: The website stopglobalwarming.org estimates that 250 lbs of carbon is saved each year per car if the tires are kept properly inflated. The DMV had 861,231 vehicles registered in Alaska in 2005.)
  • Idling your car wastes gas, releases carbon emissions, and pollutes the air.  If you are waiting to pick someone up or in line for a pilot car in a construction zone, turn off your engine!

Carbon Savings

1,000 pounds of carbon each year (Sources: globalgreen.org, stopglobalwarming.org)

Take Action Now!

Nearly all gas stations offer air pumps for you to fill your tires for free. Visit here for a list of companies in Alaska that service cars.

More info on proper tire inflation:

  • Always use the inflation recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. You can find this information in several places; in your car owner's manual, on the inside of the glove box door or posted on the edge of the driver side door.
  • For those of you who have radial tires, they are supposed to have a slight bulge in the sidewall at their proper inflation pressure.
  • Make sure to check your tire pressure every month and especially before a long trip or pulling a heavy load. To get a true tire pressure reading, check the tires when your vehicle has been idle for at least three hours. (Source: pumpemup.org)
  • Many gas stations have air gauges on their air pump. If they do not, you can buy an air gauge for your car at just about any convenience store or car maintenance store.
  • In the winter, your tire pressure drops 1 or 2 psi for every drop of 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to check your pressure regularly during the cold season to keep it at the proper level.
  • Read this article for great tips on proper tire inflation and care.
 
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