Tires

Inflation. It's a dirty word to economists, a necessity to green motorists. Americans waste two million gallons of gas EVERY DAY because our car tires are underinflated. Gas mileage drops about one percent for every pound of tire pressure below the recommended level.

The solution: Regular check-ups. Keep a hand gauge in the glove box and check tire pressure twice a month when the tires are cold. Add air if necessary. (Look in the owner's manual for the proper psi, or pounds of air per square inch.) Check the pressure more frequently in winter - for every 10-degree drop in temperature, tire pressure decreases by one pound.  Never trust the appearance of a tire as a gauge for inflation.

Besides increasing fuel economy and safety, properly inflated tires last longer, so there are fewer to add to the waste stream. If you rotate your tires as advised in your owner's manual, you can keep them even longer. Maintaining proper wheel alignment and chassis repair according to your owner's manual will also increase the life of your tires.

And while you're at it, buy low rolling resistance radial tires - they'll give you better mileage. When it's time to buy new tires, make sure the dealer will recycle your old ones!

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