Letters to the editor: Gas prices aren't politicians' fault; a tire pressure problem

Ventura County Star
·2 min read
21

Wrong about higher gas prices

Re: Alan Garner’s Dec. 7 letter, “Politicians to blame for gas prices”:

Mr. Garner’s letter stated that decades of failed energy policies are to blame for high gas prices. Mr. Garner must have missed the news that California has the cleanest air in the nation, despite having more cars on the road than any other state.

Gasoline prices rise and fall with the price of crude oil. The governor of California does not set the price of crude oil, or gasoline.

Oil companies continue to post massive profits as drivers struggle to keep their vehicles operational.

Mr. Garner has offered no solution to the problem of high gas prices, while complaining about those who are trying to solve the problem and protect consumers.

Carol Brock, Ventura

Problem with tire pressure rule

For some reason some states mandate that auto mechanics use the tire pressures listed on the inside of the driver’s door. This is fine for the original tires generally rated at 32 to 35 PSI. But if you buy aftermarket tires, they are almost always rated at higher pressures usually 40 to 50 PSI.

I feel this regulation can cause harm to drivers and their passengers as driving with tires under inflated by 10 to 20 pounds could be dangerous. The tire could come off in a hard turn or in an emergency situation. Not to mention the poorer handling and tire wear can cause a serious incident and worse mileage.

The benefits of having your tires pumped up to a few pounds below the maximum rating on the tire are: less rolling resistance which means better gas mileage, better handling, and longer tire wear.

One has to request or sometimes demand the mechanic use the pressures you want as some garages are adamant about using the car manufacturer's listing. Years ago, I even had to sign a waiver to get it done the way I wanted it.

I hope this catches on as it will help reduce the amount of gasoline being used nationwide.

Frank Antonowitz, Ventura

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Letters: Gas prices aren't politicians' fault; a tire pressure problem