According to a recent survey from Consumer Reports, 40 percent of drivers delay automotive maintenance. Forty-four percent of those who deferred work in the past year also admitted they felt the value, safety or reliability of the vehicle would suffer, with some saying the car was becoming an embarrassment. Do yourself, and your car, a favor this Christmas be giving a little TLC to your tires.
Providing the tender, loving care that your tires want and need can be as simple as checking them to make sure they are at the proper tire pressure. Checking your tire pressure is free is you already have a pressure gauge, or a few dollars if you don’t. If you realize that your tire pressure is low, then you might want to consider topping them off with nitrogen tire inflation instead of the air at a gas station.
Yes, the air is cheaper, and in this economy, people are looking for any and all ways to cut costs. However, with tire inflation, like most things in life, you get what you pay for. Filling your tires with nitrogen instead of regular air is something to consider, especially if you’re planning on having your car, and your tires, for a long long time.
Compounding the issue of deferred automotive repair and maintenance is the fact that drivers are holding onto their vehicles longer – the average age of vehicles on the road today is nine years old. Many of the respondents in the Consumer Reports survey bought their cars used, and have owned them for at least five years with the intent to hold on to that vehicle for another five. If you want your tires to last as long as your car, then you’re going to need to invest in nitrogen tire inflation.
Many people buy Christmas presents for themselves, so if that’s you, instead of new clothes or an iPad, consider putting that money into your vehicle and into your tires. Sure, the iPad is a lot more fun and shiny, but the tablet doesn’t take you to and from work.