It’s important to know your tires’ warranty. Is there a mileage rating? How can you void this warranty?

People don’t realize that every vehicle make and model requires a specific tire size, tire pressure, and speed rating. And, it is really easy to void a tire warranty by not keeping the proper tire pressure and causing premature wear. Remember: vehicles don’t lie. The evidence of low tire pressure can be seen within the tire tread, itself. So, keep air in your tires. Having your tire pressure 3 to 4 psi lower that what the door sticker says can cost you around one to two miles per gallon (mpg), as well.

Another tidbit: make sure your tires are in proper alignment. Having your vehicle’s steering gear and suspension out of specs causes more drag on the pavement. More drag, more gas used…more money out of your pocket.  You’re buying tires sooner that necessary, too.

Let me teach you how not to fix your vehicle in the driveway, but how to have your car or truck properly repaired, by an ASE-certified technician. Car Care for the Clueless.com: making you a savvy car consumer.

Pam Oakes is a shop owner, ASE-certified technician, automotive author, automotive speaker, and syndicated radio host of “Car Care for the Clueless” on CBS Radio The Sky (KJAQ Seattle, WOMC Detroit, WDSY & WZPT Pittsburgh and WMBX Boston), CoachMeRadio,  and AOL Radio — LIVE@5p ET every Friday. And, yes, she still “turns wrenches.”

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