It’s National Tire Safety Week, do you know how much inflation your tires require?

Even for those looking at used cars in New York, the question could be an important one for both the owner’s safety and pocketbook, according to recent research by the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association.

They worked with local tire retailers to find out the levels of inflation people were driving around on, and of the 5,400 vehicles that were checked, less than one in 10 had measurements that matched manufacturer’s specifications.

“Few actions that are so simple and quick to do have such striking benefits,” said Charles A. Cannon, RMA president and CEO. “Taking five minutes every month to check tire pressure will put money in consumers’ pockets, reduce national fuel consumption, help tires last longer and save lives.”

Accidents caused by poor tire maintenance injure 33,000 Americans every year, according to the Natitonal Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but it also affects the wallet.

As President Obama pointed out on both the campaign trail and during an Earth Day speech, tire pressure is one way to save money at the pumps with increased fuel mileage.

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For those looking at used cars in New Jersey, a diesel-fueled vehicle may offer more fuel economy, but as one report illustrates, new adopters should take some time when they get to the pumps.

While green pumps mean good to go for diesel users in America, police in the UK are having a hard time differentiating between the two fuel types for their cars, according to a Mirror report that found over the past three years, about $1.6 million in repairs have been required to fix cars filled with the wrong fuel.

To remedy the damage, departments have to flush out the fuel system, as well as potentially repairing the engine and then refueling the vehicle, according to the news provider.

While the concerns over what pump to use could lead to problems, diesels on average are about 5 percent more efficient than normal engines of the same size according to Kelley Blue Book, which could leave more money in the wallet for someone looking at used cars in New Jersey.

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While many dealers offer warranties on low mileage used cars in New Jersey, one oil company is willing to sweeten the deal for customers that use their products.

Depending on what oil an owner decides to use when maintaining his or her car, Valvoline says it will cover the cost of an engine failure up to $5,000 until the odometer reaches 300,000 miles.

There are some restrictions in place, like having to register the car before it’s traveled 75,000 miles, owning a 1990 model or newer and keeping the engine free of modified components like those used for racing.

But for those who change their own oil, or who have the work done at a company-sponsored center every 4,000 miles, it may offer another layer of protection in case of engine failure not related to an accident after an 18-month probation period.

Owners are allowed three chances to make a mistake in either using the wrong oil, not changing it for up to 6,000 miles, or not recording the services performed.

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Potential customers looking for used cars in New York may have some competition for at least one vehicle, but a famous pizza chain owner is willing to offer a reward if they find the used Chevrolet Camaro he once owned.

Papa John’s owner John Schnatter says he sold his 1972 Camaro to help start his business, but 25 years later, he still misses the car that got him $1,600 in restaurant equipment.

So he began a road trip with stops in Indiana, Georgia and Texas, driving a similar car and delivering pizzas to spread the word that it’s worth $25,000 to him for someone to track down his original car.

Schnatter has tried to help out with what he remembers of the car, including the sunroof, velvet interior and no air conditioning, as well as a differential he installed that makes the speedometer read about 10 miles per hour over the actual speed.

Americans have until the end of August to find a vehicle title that has Schnatter’s name on it, and can still get the prize money even if they don’t actually own the used Chevrolet.

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Buyers interested in used cars in New Jersey may know that online research can help them make the right decision about their next auto purchase, but the history reports offered by some websites may not be completely accurate.

Consumer Reports asked for vehicle history reports from a number of online providers for vehicles they knew had significant body damage based on owner interviews and photos provided to the non-profit.

They say that clean reports came back from many of the providers, either because damage may not have been reported to an insurance company, or was used by a rental company.

To ensure that buying a used car in New Jersey doesn’t mean picking up a lemon, they say that going over the car in person with a mechanic can help pick up evidence of paint overspray or other tell-tale signs of extensive body work that could lead to further problems down the road.

“Many dealerships provide free history reports to consumers,” said Anthony Giorgianni, Consumer Reports associate editor. “The reports provide useful information. But it’s what they can miss that should worry you.”

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