Cheaper, Better, Faster Mary Hunt - Baker Publishing Group

Automobilesfew small rubber plugs and aspecial tool for inserting them.It is quite simple to use followingthe directions on the kit.Often a damaged tire can besealed and plugged right onthe vehicle. Kit manufacturersrecommend that you have thetire inspected by a professionalafterward, but in most casesthe plugs are permanent. Besure to air the tire back up torecommended specs, and ifyou have removed the wheel,be sure to properly torque thelug nuts after you reinstall it.Tire pressureCheck the pressure of yourtires frequently. Underinflationincreases rolling resistance,which increases tire wear andgas consumption by as muchas 5 percent.Tire rotationRotate your tires every 6,000to 9,000 miles. The goal ofrotation is to get the tiresto wear uniformly. Checkyour car owner’s manual forthe recommended rotationscheme. Some drivers get inthe habit of rotating their tiresevery other oil change.Tires—retreads okayConsider buying retreads orblemished tires, particularlyfor an older car. You can saveup to 50 percent of the cost ofnew tires, and the law requiresthat they be safe.Tires—spotting wearUneven tire wear often iseasier to spot with your fingersthan with your eyes. Runyour hands from side to sideand up and down the tread.Uneven wear could indicatemisalignment or loose chassisparts. Beware of pieces ofsteel belting or metal embeddedin the tire that could cutyour hand.Touch-up paintLiquid Paper (white correctionfluid available at an officesupply store) makes a greattouch-up paint for white cars.It covers beautifully, dries to a29Mary Hunt, Cheaper, Better, FasterRevell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, © 2013. Used by permission.