How to Check and Maintain Proper Tire Air Pressure

Maintenance of proper air pressure can extend the life of your tires. It helps your tires retain traction with the road, even in adverse conditions, and can increase the fuel economy of your vehicle, so you can drive farther on the same amount of gas. Keep a few basic tips in mind as you regularly check the inflation of your tires.

Things You'll Need:

• Pressure Gauge
• Air Compressor

Step 1:

Check the inflation in the morning, before the car is driven and while the tires are cool. Set the pressure according to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold-tire pressure.

Step 2:

Adjust the pressure for extra-cool conditions. If the car has been parked in shade for many hours, check the pressure using the gauge and adjust the pressure higher by two pounds per square inch, or PSI.

Step 3:

Adjust the PSI to account for the amount of time you have driven the vehicle within the previous three hours. When driving short distances or speeds less than 45 miles per hour, set the pressure four PSI higher than the recommended cold inflation pressure. When driving for long distances, set the pressure six PSI higher than the manufacturer's recommended cold inflation pressure.


Tips:

Most tire pressure gauges have a stem on the back side. This stem can be pressed into the tire's valve stem to release air, in the event that you have added too much pressure.


References:

• Tire Rack: Air Pressure - When and How to Set
• Nitrogen Tire Machine: Proper Tire Air Pressure

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How to Put on Link Style Tire Snow Chains

Roads can become slippery quickly in snowy conditions. These driving conditions often result in accidents and in vehicles  being stranded and unable to move. Driving in snow and ice requires special precautions, one of which is to use snow chains on your car tires. Snow chains, which are also called tire chains, are attached to the tires of a vehicle in order to increase traction in snowy conditions. Installing link type snow chains requires practice and patience.

Things You'll Need:

• Link type snow chains

Step 1:

Park the vehicle in a level area, ensuring that there is enough space around the vehicle to lay out your snow chains and tools. Make sure that the engine is off and the emergency brake has been applied. 

Step 2:

Lay out the chains on the ground, rolled out in front of the tire they will be installed on. Put them on the front tires for front wheel drive vehicles, and on the back tires for rear wheel drive. Make sure that the beginning of the chain is in contact with the tires and that the chain is laid out in a straight path for the tire to roll onto.

Step 3:

Drive the vehicle slowly and carefully onto the chains. If possible, have someone to guide you while you drive over the chains to ensure that you have centered the tire over the chain. Turn the engine off and reapply the emergency brake.

Step 4:

Connect the chains. Pull the chain ends over the top of the tire from both ends so that the two ends meet. Fasten the closing mechanism and ensure it's properly closed. It is normal for the chains to have a relaxed fit, as long as they are snug enough not to fall off the tire. Repeat this process on each tire.


Tips:

Use snow chains only when driving on roads that have a substantial amount of snow and ice. Using chains directly on asphalt will chop up the road and cause it to deteriorate quickly, and the chains will wear out more quickly.


References:

• 4x4 Now: Get a Grip in the Snow 
• Edmunds: How to Install Snow Chains

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How to Use Jumper Cables on a Dead Battery

Anyone who drives a car  will face a dead battery sooner or later. Whether you forgot to turn off the headlights, or the battery has just been stressed by cold whether, a dead battery is one of the most basic maintenance issues a car  owner will face. The most common method of dealing with a dead car battery is to give the battery a "jump start". This method delivers an initial charge with jumper cables to get the car started, then the battery will be recharged by the alternator as the engine runs. The process of jump-starting a dead car battery is very simple as long as a few basic steps are adhered to.

Things You'll Need:

• Car with a charged battery

Step 1:

Position the car with the working battery near the car with a dead battery. Make sure that the running car is parked facing the car with the dead battery as much as possible or if the car batteries are off to one side of the engine, have those sides of the cars next to each other, since jumper cables have a limited length. Turn off the ignition of both vehicles and turn off all electronic devices, such as the radio, lights and air conditioner.

Step 2:

Connect one end of the positive jumper cable to the positive battery post on the car with the dead battery. The positive cable is identified by having red clamps. The positive battery terminal will be marked with "+," and usually has a red cable connected to it. Connect the other end of the positive battery cable to the positive terminal on the car with a good battery. To connect the cables, simply clip the clamp onto the terminal.

Step 3:

Connect one end of the negative jumper cable to an unpainted, clean metal surface under the hood of the car with the dead battery.

Step 4:

Start the car with the good battery. Rev the engine several times to help produce more electrical charge for the other car's battery. Start the car with the dead battery. You may have to try a couple of times before the engine turns over. If it won't turn over initially, give it a few more minutes to allow it a chance to charge some more.

Step 5:

Disconnect the jumper cables. Disconnect the cables in the reverse order that they were connected. Remove the black, negative cables first, then the red, positive cables.

Step 6:

Allow the car with the jumped battery to continue running for at least 30 minutes. As the car runs, the electric charge in the battery will be revitalized. Take the car for a brief drive on the highway to assist this process.

Tips:

Jumping a car battery is a last resort option. Try to properly charge or replace the battery in advance before a jump is required.

Warnings:

Do not allow the black and red clamps of the jumper cables to come into contact with each other if the other ends are connected to a battery.

Do not connect the negative cable to the negative post of the dead battery. This will minimize the risk of an explosion. 

References:

• Car Buying Tips: How to Jump Start a Car
• Art of Manliness: How to Jump Start a Car

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How to Retrieve Keys from a Locked Car

At some point, most of us lock our keys inside the car. It can be a frustrating and embarrassing experience. Fortunately, a number of options are available to help remedy the situation if you lock your keys in your car, and they don't involve calling an expensive locksmith service. The important thing is to always have a backup plan.

Things You'll Need:

• Spare Key

Step 1:

Have spare keys made at a nearby hardware or home improvement store. Keep one key where you know you'll always be able to find it, and other keys with trusted family members and friends. You can always call one of them if you lock your keys in your car. 

Step 2:

Consider hiding a copy of the spare key in a magnetic "Hide-a-Key" case. These are usually available wherever you have keys made. The case is used to hide a set of keys under the car by sticking the magnetic box onto any metal component. Choose a location that is difficult to see, but that you can easily remember.

Step 3:

Find out if your insurance company offers a lock-out service, where it keeps a copy of your key that can be delivered when needed.

Step 4:

Ask the police for help. Most police departments have tools, such as a "slim jim," that can reach the inner mechanics of the door to pop the lock. The best part of seeking help from the police is that the help is free and safe.

Tips:

If your vehicle has the OnStar security service, you can remotely unlock the car doors by calling OnStar on the telephone.

References:

• Cars for Girls: Locked Out: 7 Ways to Retrieve Your Car Keys

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