Tire Pressure
Thinking about how to improve your car’s fuel efficiency? You may have heard that keeping tire pressure at the correct level is one of the easiest ways to help save fuel. We’ve all heard it before: Keeping your tires properly inflated can improve gas mileage. But just how much? Well, if you drive a typical sedan and keep your tire pressure at the maximum recommended levels, you could see an improvement of up to 12 percent. Keep reading for more information on why a low tire pressure affects your vehicle’s fuel efficiency so much, as well as tips on how to measure pressure and improve it.
Why Is Tire Pressure so Important For Fuel Efficiency?
Generally speaking, the lower your tire pressure, the more energy it takes to move your car. This can decrease your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, causing your gas mileage to go down. Because the tire and the road are in contact with one another, a change in one will directly affect the other. The lower your tire pressure, the larger your tire’s contact patch will be. This means more of your tire will come in contact with the road, which in turn increases the amount of friction between the two. A higher amount of friction consumes more energy. This, in turn, could lead to a drop in your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
How to Measure Tire Pressure
The best way to measure tire pressure is with a tire pressure gauge. There are several different kinds of tire gauges, but they all work the same way. Cars with TPMS systems that monitor tire pressure will have a recommended pressure printed on a sticker inside the driver’s door. If you notice that your tires look a little flat, this could be a sign of a tire pressure issue. Check the pressure in all of your tires, making sure they’re properly inflated. If the tire pressure is below the recommended PSI, add air to your tires until they’re at the right pressure. You should also check your tire pressure periodically, even if everything appears normal. You can find a recommended tire pressure for your vehicle in your owner’s manual.
Tips to Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
If you’re trying to improve your fuel efficiency, one of the easiest things you can do is check your tire pressure. You should check your tire pressure at least once a month, or before any long drives. If you keep up with this, you should be able to identify any issues with your tire pressure early on. For added protection, you can also consider keeping a tire pressure gauge in your glove box. You should also keep in mind that weather and road conditions may impact the pressure in your tires. If you’re driving on a road with a lot of heat or dust, your tire pressure may drop. Hot weather can also cause pressure to drop.
Conclusion
Driving with low tire pressure can be dangerous and can decrease your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. In addition to keeping your tires properly inflated, you should also replace your tires when they get below the recommended tread depth. Keeping your tires properly maintained is an easy way to improve your fuel efficiency and keep your car safe on the road.