Three Important Tips to Take You Safely on Your Way.

1. Tire Inflation

A common misconception with tire pressure is to use the tire pressure listed on the sidewall of the tire. In fact the tire pressure listed on the sidewall of the tire is what the tire manufacturer has listed as the maximum tire pressure rating for that tire at maximum weight.  Most cars do not come close to the maximum weight for the 4 tires on the car. The auto manufacturer has determined what is best for tire pressure considering four factors:
(1) Safety for all passengers. 
(2)  Ride and comfort (weight). 
(3)  Fuel mileage. 
(4)  Tire wear. 

This rating will be on a tire sticker located on the car.  Most stickers will be found on the drivers door post, others can be found inside the trunk lid, fuel door lid, glove box, or console storage box lid. In all cases you can also find the tire pressure recommendations in the owners manual.  You may be surprised what is actually recommended for the tire pressures on your car, and the front and rear tire pressures are often different due to the weight difference in the front and rear of the car.  As a part of Jiffy Lubes free top off policy you can visit any Jiffy Lube to have your tire pressure checked between your normal oil change services.  Drive safe!

2. Winter Driving and Cruise Control

Most surveys show that while driving on slick or icy roads drivers think it is safe to drive with the cruse control on.  At first thought this seems to make sense to have a steady pace in order to maintain control of the car.  The exact opposite is true.  If the cruse control is on and you hit a slick spot it will try to maintain speed and can cause the tires to break loose and send the car out of control.  So in slick or icy conditions reduce your speed and turn off the cruse control so you have the control you need to drive safely.

If you are planning a holiday trip or drive often in the winter time it is good advise to have a winter driving kit in your car.  You should always have water, food and a blanket incase you hit bad weather or a road closer.  A small tool kit with battery jumper cables, ice scraper, and deicer can also come in handy.  In winter conditions always drive with a full tank of gas.  As Grandpa always said, “be prepared for anything”, someday you will need it.