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When is the last time that you’ve checked your vehicle’s tire pressure?  I’m going to guess it’s been a long time!  Checking your tire pressure is one of those things that are vitally important but often get overlooked.  Here are the benefits of properly inflated tires:

- When your tires are properly inflated your vehicle will handle better because there is less friction between the tire and the road.  So, less friction equals better handling….which also equals better fuel economy and (you guessed it!) cost savings passed on to you!

- When tires are under-inflated, they put a lot of pressure on the seam where the tire meets the wheel (or rim).  This will cause damage to the seam and a trip to the mechanics for a new tire!

So how do you know when your tires are properly inflated?  You can either refer to your driver manual or you will notice a sticker on the inside of the driver’s door or door frame that will tell you what the optimum PSI level is for your tires.

Usually when you see a post like this I was day dreaming and needed to get the ideas in writing before I forgot them….so this could happen a lot!

If you have a bit of a green thumb and like working on your yard and garden you might find this tip useful.  In the area I live there are endless amounts of limestone rock in quarries and shorelines.  My money saving tip for you is to go to your nearest rocky shoreline or quarry and pick up some nice flat rocks to line your gardens instead of paying hundreds or even thousands for engineered landscaping stones.  I helped my parents do the same thing last summer and I think it looks great…a real rustic look.  I’ll take a picture of one of their gardens the next time i’m over there and i’ll post it.  I plan on doing the same thing around my gardens this summer.

Next, instead of buying bottled water all the time purchase a filter that connects directly to your faucet.  I know we’re probably talking about savings in cents here, but hopefully this will make ’sense’ to you (I had to do it….and I am aware that it was corny!).  Just remember that it all adds up over time.  As an added bonus, you will also be reducing your carbon footprint by using less plastic.

This next one is nothing new, but everyone could use a reminder about it….Carpooling.  If a bunch of your fellow collegues live in reletively close proximity why not all go to work toghether?  It makes a whole lot of sense considering you’ll be using less fuel and putting less wear on your vehicle because you won’t be driving as often.  And again you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint by getting a few vehicles off the road.  This is a tip that is definitely under utilized but is simple to do.  Think about it, and talk to some of your co-workers about it tomorrow around the water cooler or lunch room.

If you have followed my previous advice about doing your own preventitive maintenance on your vehicles, you would know that your air filter is an important piece of the puzzle.  The air filter allows clean air to enter the engine and mix with the fuel to put your vehicle in motion….the more air you can get into your engine, the less fuel you need….and thus saves you money.  However, the problem with most vehicles is that the your standard air filter is very restrictive in terms of air flow and you have to get rid of it and buy a new one every 5000-8000 kms.

This is where K&N filters come in.  These direct replacement filters allow greater air flow to the engine while offering maximum protection against dirt particles.  The best part about these filters is that you never have to replace them….they come with a 1,000,000 mile warranty!  All that is required is a cleaning every 50,000 miles according to the K&N website.  You can buy cleaning kits at a number of stores including Canadian Tire if you live in Canada.  They sell for around $15.

This not only equals better fuel economy and fuel savings, but you’re saving a ton of cash as well.  A standard replacement K&N filter will cost you anywhere from $40-$60 which is a one time cost.  Compare that with buying a new conventional filter for $15-$20 everytime you change your oil.  Therefore, if you were changing your filter 2-3 times a year, you could  get your return on your investment in only  a year!