Tires and fuel efficiency.(DISTRIBUTION)

High fuel prices not only take their toll at the pump, they affect tire prices as well because oil is a major ingredient in manufacturing tires. One simple and immediate way to make the most of fuel and tire money is to pay greater attention to proper tire maintenance.

Air pressure is at the heart of proper tire maintenance. By maintaining the proper inflation pressure for a given size of tire and load, tires will provide the best fuel mileage and safety, while minimizing wear and maximizing retreadability. Commercial tire manufacturers have tables and charts--available free for the asking--that specify air pressure adjustments for tire size, load and speed.

Inflation pressure is critical because it is the air inside the tire that carries the weight of a vehicle, absorbs shock and keeps the tire in its proper shape so it may perform as designed. In essence, the tire serves as the container for the air. In addition to affecting rolling resistance, …