Keep Your Tires Safe and Ready for Driving

Maintaining your tires is as important as maintaining your car's engine.  Tires are always subject to wear and tear depending on driving situations, road conditions, and weather.  However, with proper checks and maintenance you can keep your tires safe and in the best working order.

How to Check Inflation Pressure

	Look for this information in your vehicle. Refer to your vehicle's owners manual for the proper level of inflation; it may also be posted on the door post or in the glove box.
	When you check the inflation pressure, make sure the tires are cool - meaning they are not hot from driving even a mile. (Note: If you have to drive a distance to get air, check and record the tire pressure first and add the appropriate inflation pressure when you get to the pump. It is normal for tires to heat up and the inflation pressure inside to increase as you drive. Never "bleed" or reduce air pressure when tires are hot.)
	Check inflation pressure once a month and before long trips.
	If you overfill the tire, you can release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the valve with a fingernail or the tip of a pen. Then recheck the pressure with your tire gauge.
	Replace the valve cap.
	Remember to check the spare. (Note: Some spare tires require higher inflation pressure).

Why Check Your Alignment?

	If your car's suspension system is out of alignment, your tires will wear unevenly and you may experience handling problems. Potholes and rough roads can contribute to problems with alignment.
	Front-wheel drive vehicles, and those with independent rear suspension, require alignment of all four wheels.
	Have a tire dealer check your alignment periodically as specified by your vehicle owner's manual or if handling problems develop, such as "pulling."
	Also have your tire balance checked periodically. An unbalanced tire and wheel assembly may result in irregular wear or vibration.

Why Rotate Your Tires?

	Each tire on your car supports a different amount of weight; this unequal weight distribution causes your tires to wear at different rates. By rotating your tires, you can extend their useful life.
	If your tires show uneven wear, ask your tire dealer to check for and correct any misalignment, imbalance or other mechanical problem involved before rotation.
	Refer to your vehicle's owners manual for rotation recommendations. If no rotation period is specified, tires should be rotated approximately every 5,000 miles.
	Sometimes front and rear tires use different pressures. After rotation, adjust tire inflation pressure to the figures recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

How to Check Tread

	When the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch, tires must be replaced.
	All tires have "wear bars," which are small, raised bars of rubber in the groove that indicate when tires are worn out. If your tread is worn down to the wear bars, it's time for a new tire.
	A penny is a reliable tool to check tire tread. 1. Take a penny and put Lincoln's head into one of the grooves of the tire tread. If part of his head is covered by the tread, you're driving with the legal amount of tread. 2. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time to replace the tire.
	Visually check your tires for signs of uneven wear. You may have irregular tread wear if there are high and low areas or unusually smooth areas. Also make sure no nails or other objects are embedded in the tire. Consult your tire dealer as soon as possible if you see problems.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Vehicles equiped with Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) can help motorists detect loss of inlfation pressure. Federal regulations require TPMS to warn drivers when tires are 25% under inflated. For many vehicles this warning may be too late to prevent damage caused by under inflation. TPMS units are NOT a replacement for monthly tire pressure checks with a gauge.

Obey posted speed limits.

Always buckle your seat belt.

Avoid fast starts, stops and turns.

Avoid potholes and other objects on the road.

Do not run over curbs or hit your tires against the curb when parking.

Do not overload your vehicle. Check your vehicle's tire information or owner's manual for the maximum recommended load for your vehicle.

For more information go to RMA.org

Car Care Preperation for You Summer Road Trip

 This is the time of the year when families start to go on summer road trips to all their favorite beaches and destinations.  However, there is more to going on a car trip then figuring out how to cram the suitcases in the trunk.  You car needs to be have a few maintenance checks before you leave.  Below are some guidelines on what to look for in your car before you hit the open road.

• Inspect your driveway before leaving for a trip to check for oil leakage. If you see oil, have the car inspected by a professional.

• Check all fluid levels (oil, transmission, cooling system, power steering, brake fluid and washer fluid).

• Avoid the possibility of over-heating your car by adding a coolant additive like Purple Ice to your radiator. It will improve the condition of the seals to prevent leaks.

• You can also reduce engine heat by upgrading the kind of oil you use. Switch from synthetic oils to a mineral-based oil.

• Worn-out or loose belts and hoses can also cause the engine to heat up. Inspect the belts and hoses in your car before getting on the road.

• Clean and tighten battery terminals and lubricate hinges and the hood latch.

• Inspect your tires and check tire pressure. The better the tire pressure, the better the gas mileage. Also, make sure you have a spare in case of a blowout.

• Inspect your car thoroughly before going on any long-distance trip so you can maximize your fun and minimize your car troubles.

For more information check out Car Tips for Road Trips.

Pittsburgh Parking Tips

Parking in Pittsburgh can be a big hassle.  Between the traffic and the inability to find parking spaces, it makes everyone want to avoid driving as much as possible.  However, did you know there are a few ways to make your experience parking in the burg easier and less stressful.

Park Pittsburgh (App for your phone)
ParkPGH is very useful application available on the iPhone, the web, text messaging and a call-in service. It supplies real-time information about parking availability in all Cultural District garages, calculating the number of available spaces every 30 seconds.

Reserved Parking Program

Convenient, hassle-free parking Downtown is just a phone call or mouse click away with the PDP's Reserved Parking Program. The courtesy program is offered Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in participating garages.

A minimum 24-hour advance notice is required and parking reservations are NOT accepted after 2:30 p.m. Friday for the following Monday.

You can reserve a spot more than 24 hours in the future. When you call to reserve a parking space, you are guaranteed a place to park but at the regular parking rate. Your reservation will be guaranteed for 15 minutes beyond the time stated in your reservation. At that time, the garage has the option of releasing the space.

Enter the garage at your designated arrival time (ONLY between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.). Once parked, you may stay as long as you wish beyond 2 p.m. And, if you have tickets for an upcoming show in the Cultural District, you can make your parking reservations now to secure a space!
If you have questions, call (412) 566-4190.
 
Parking Garages Participating in the Reserved Parking Program:

• Smithfield Liberty Garage
• Ninth and Penn Avenue
• Third Avenue
• Wood Street & Boulevard of the Allies
• Fort Duquesne and Sixth
• First Avenue Garage and Station
• Oliver (at Piatt Place)
• Grant Street Transportation Center
• Theater Square Garage
• Three PNC Plaza Garage
• Sixth and Penn Avenue Garage

These two services can make the parking experience a little less stressful when heading to your next arts or sporting event.  Check out the Downtown Pittsburgh website for more details for your next trip into the city.

Keeping Your Car's Paint Like New

Summer can be a great time! Fun in the sun can include camping, visits to your favorite water parks, relaxation and much more, but there's a downside to all the sun... It can be damaging to your car paint!

Sunlight can cause oxidation which causes fading, and that's bad news, but you're not at a total loss! There are steps the average person can take to PREVENT sun damage to their car.

1) Park in a shaded area: Obviously the easiest way to avoid sun damage is to avoid the sun altogether. Paint is tough, but if you're the typical 9-5 worker, that's 8 hours a day your car can be exposed to sun rays. We suggest seeking out shaded areas for parking, even if it means walking an extra block.

2) Clean off bugs: Insects not only make your car look gross, but the small amount of acid contained in some insects can be enough to penetrate your paint, so be sure to wash your car often... which brings us to our next step...

3) Dry thoroughly: Cleaning your car is great, but you don't want to let water settle. Water can leave behind minerals including salt, which is harmful to the outer coatings protecting your paint, which in the end, can lead to fading.

4) Finally... wax: Wax is the ultimate protector. Waxing fills in small scuffs, and rejuvenates the outer layers of your paint keeping them like new so be sure to wax after washing your car. It's a great way to insure it's dry, and keeps it looking as glossy as the day you bought it.

Fireworks Displays around Pittsburgh

We hope everyone has a happy and safe Fourth of July!  Here is some information about where you can see fireworks in the South Hills.

This year, Bethel Park and Upper Saint Clair will combine for their fireworks display.  The fireworks can be watched at a lot behind the South Hills Village Shopping Center.  They will start at approximately 9:40pm.