Safety Tips in the Summer Heat: Keeping Your Tires Cool

Consumer Reports: Summer Heat and Tire Safety

Summer is definitely here with record breaking heat across much of the county.  In Arizona, the heat can be blistering for your tires and dangerous.  According to Conusmer Reports, "Hot weather exacerbates heat build-up and weakens the tire, potentially leading to abrupt and sometime catastrophic failure. On a hot 90-degree day at our track, surface temperatures easily exceed 150-degrees. Think about what your tires are experiencing while you're enjoying the drive in a cool air-conditioned car."  With temperatures currently above that in most of Arizona, there are some important tips that can keep your tires cooler and you and your passengers safer.

"For example, just having your tires properly inflated will go a long way to avoiding such failures. Tire pressure is the life-blood of any tire; An under-inflated tire generates more heat due to excessive sidewall flexing, adversely effecting handling and fuel economy. Also, the tires will wear out faster.  The key here is using the correct inflation pressure. Based on our experience and a number of industry surveys, most tires are not inflated correctly. Those that are under-inflated are typically the result of no or infrequent pressure checks. However, some consumers go the other way when they over-inflate their tires using the sidewall rating—that's the maximum pressure and the not service pressure as defined by the vehicle manufacturer, which is typically listed on a driver's door jamb placard."

Important tips from Consumer Reports:

• Inflate the tires to the recommended setting outlined on the tire information placard found most often on the driver's door jamb and/or the vehicle owner's manual.
• Check the tires monthly. Tires will typically lose up to 1 psi per month, and pressure drops about 1 psi for every 10-degree drop in air temperature.
• Buy a good tire gauge. It's also a good idea to buy a portable compressor that works off of your car's power outlet; these are available in many auto parts stores. 
• Tires also lose air to common punctures, so if you find you're always adding air to one particular tire, it might have a slow leak. Have it checked out at a service garage.

Source:http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2012/08/tips-to-keep-your-car-tires-cool-amid-damaging-summer-heat.html

Remembering to keep and eye on your tires while enjoying the summer heat can help avoid blowouts and improve your millage.  At FooteWork, we are looking out for you!  Fast, Friendly, FooteWork!

Prescott Valley Balloon Festival is This Weekend: What Do You Know About Hot Air Balloons?

FooteWork is proud to be a sponsor of the Prescott Valley Annual Balloon Festival happening this weekend, June 16th and 17th.  If you are looking for something fun to do this Saturday and Sunday, this is it!  A great way to celebrate Father's Day too!

Did you know that hot air ballons and the pilots who fly them are regulated by the FAA just like other aircraft?  Do you know what 'glow' refers to?  Here are some interesting facts about hot air balloons from the Prescott Valley Balloon Festival website:

When do hot air balloons fly? Hot air balloons generally fly during the morning and late afternoon. Balloons rely on air currents for speed and direction and require stable (calm to 7 knots in a predictable direction) to maintain safe operations. The Phoenix area usually has 300 days of good weather for flying.

Where do hot air balloons fly? Hot air balloons can fly practically anywhere. Balloons are registered aircraft and are under the authority of the FAA, who also owns the airspace above buildings and events.

How tall and wide are hot air balloons? Standard shape balloons are approximately 85 feet tall and 65 feet wide.

What are hot air balloons made from? The fabric part of the balloon, called the envelope, is constructed of coated rip-stop nylon, similar to the material that parachutes are made from. The basket is constructed of primarily of wicker. Wicker is light, strong, and resilient to incidental damage.

What type of fuel is used? Liquid propane is used to heat the inside of the balloon.

How long have balloons been around? Hot air balloons are the oldest type of flying, having been invented in France in 1782. Not until the late 1960s did the new era of ballooning arise with the new materials and designs.

Are balloons regulated? Hot air balloons are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), just like airplanes. Like other aircraft, balloons require yearly safety inspections by an FAA authorized repair station.

Are balloon pilots regulated? Balloon pilots are licensed and regulated by the FAA.

What is a balloon glow? Heating the air inside the balloon with propane-fueled fire causes the balloon to glow brightly. During a daytime flight, this effect is usually not seen, but during evening glows, the effect is stunning.

What is a balloon tether? A tether is when the balloon does not fly freely, but is tied to the ground with a number of 100 to 150-foot ropes. While being tied off, the balloon can take passengers up into the air without flying away from the designated spot.

Among the many events, there is 'Balloon Glow' Saturday night and helicopter rides both Saturday and Sunday given by Guidance Aviation. There will also be a car show, carnival, beer garden, and arts & crafts. Go to the Prescott Valley Balloon Festival website for a schedule and map of the events. Hope you can join us for the 2012 Prescott Valley Balloon Festival!  It will be uplifting! 

Come see us at our FooteWork Prescott Valley or FooteWork Prescott office for any of your vehicle needs!

Jerry Hokenson, U.S. Marine Vet, Wins at FooteWork Auto License and Title Service of Prescott

FooteWork customer Jerry Hokenson, a U.S. Marine Veteran and resident of Prescott, has won the TOMTOM GPS giveaway contest with the most votes in the "Why do you love Prescott Photo Contest".

On a regular basis, FooteWork runs online promotions through the FooteWork Facebook page and during this contest, Jerry Hokenson won hands down with the most votes with the entry pictured right. The submission included caption:

"Why I Love Prescott by Charity Hokenson
Hello! This is me Charity. On the top is a picture of me when I lived in Surprise, AZ. I am soooooo hot and uncomfortable. My Dad had to shave off all of my beautiful coat. I am embarrassed!

The bottom picture is of me in my new home in Prescott, enjoying a beautiful, cool snowy day. My coat can now be beautiful again! 

PS if I win, I will give the "Tom-Tom to my Mom and Dad, Jerry & Trudy Hokenson."

Be looking for another promo from FooteWork soon on FooteWork Facebook 

Congrats Jerry, Trudy and Charity Hokenson!