With the Fourth of July just around the corner, road trip season is in the air. That’s why it’s very important to check your tire pressure. According to an article from eponline.com making sure your tire pressure is correct can save you money because your gas mileage will be more effective and better. The Auto Club and Rubber Manufacturer’s Association have put “Be Tire Smart” brochures at AAA offices around the country. AAA statistics say that they respond to over 144,000 calls related to tires each year, and checking tire pressure is a good way to avoid needing to call emergency road side assistance. According to the article: “Vehicle handling can be adversely affected by improperly inflated tires. Under-inflated tires run hot, which can lead to tire failure and a possible crash. Under-inflated tires pose a safety risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that under-inflated tires are a factor in 660 fatalities and 33,000 crash injuries each year. Over-inflated tires can cause uneven wear, reduce vehicle handling, and make tires susceptible to road hazard damage.” When tire pressure decreases, rolling resistance increases which wears on your engine over time and makes your tires wear out faster. And properly inflated tires can give you 3.3 percent better fuel efficiency and in the end save you money, about six cents a gallon! And every penny counts with gas prices on the up, and the economy on the way down. It is approximated that drivers in the United States waste about 1.2 billion gallons of fuel because their tires are under inflated. For most drivers it comes out to about an extra tank of fuel if you have a 25 gallon tank. So if you are heading out on a road trip this summer remember to check your tire pressure to save some serious cash! Remember, if you need new tires have a look at our selection for great prices, many with free shipping.