Like a pair of leaky tires, both John McCain and Barack Obama have been hissing at each other all week over tire pressure.

While the two candidates tread on each other over whether it's a serious issue or not, mechanics here in the Triangle are finding drivers here are taking tire inflation to extremes to increase mileage and save money on gas.

However, tire experts say their efforts may end up costing them more money in the long run.

Earlier this week, Barack Obama tried to pump up interest in his energy plan by suggesting people properly inflate their tires as part of a list of things folks could do to conserve energy.

John McCain took began using that phrase to mock Obama’s energy plan saying, “he suggested we put air in our tires to save on gas.”

But tire experts say properly inflated tires do save gas.

“Lower air pressure will decrease your fuel mileage,” explained Steve Duty, owner of Duty Tires and Service in Raleigh.

Duty says not only are people making sure their tires aren’t under inflated, but he said that he and other tire companies are seeing a disturbing trend among drivers.

“In last couple of weeks or months maybe, we've seen a lot of over-inflated tires,” he said.

In an effort to stretch mileage, people are putting more air in tires than they should. As a result, they’re seeing cars that have all four tires wearing out in the center of the tread.

“Not only will it cause the tires to wear prematurely, it’ll make the car ride bad,” Duty said.

It is more than just an expense; it is a safety issue too. Duty explained; over inflated tires have less traction, less braking, and less cornering.

"You also lose handling and a percentage of your driving characteristics with too much air in your tires,” he said.

Duty also said the only way to really tell if the air pressure is good is to use a tire gauge.

He also said that drivers should be aware that what's proper tire pressure for the front may not be correct for the rear tires, because front and rear pressure can vary.

TALK BACK TO STEVE ON HIS BLOG AT: http://blogs.wncn.info/betweenthelines