Are You Tire Smart?

While traveling to the Black Hills over the weekend, I was joking with my wife about how when I drove over the rubber hose at the gas station I swear it went "ch-ching" rather than "ding ding."

Because of rising gas prices, everyone these days seems to be looking for a way to save a buck or two. - myself included.

A mechanic friend of mine recently emailed me some "hopefully helpful hints" you can use if you're traveling anywhere on summer vacation.

• Fill up in the morning whenever possible.  Thanks to the laws of physics, you'll get more gasoline per dollar if you pump first thing in the morning, when it's cool and gas molecules cluster together.
• Don't buy premium gas unless you absolutely have to.  For whatever reason, many people go to the gas station and purchase a higher grade of fuel than is required for their vehicle.
• Avoid letting your engine idol for more than 30 seconds.
• Keep an eye on your tire pressure.  Under inflated tires can cause excessive drag, slowing the vehicle down and increasing gas consumption - in addition to being a safety hazard.

In fact, ABC News recently did a story on just that - being "tire smart."