As a vehicle owner, you're always looking for ways to save money on fuel and improve your car's performance. While there are many factors that can affect your vehicle's fuel efficiency, one often overlooked aspect is tyre pressure.
Maintaining the correct tire pressure can not only help you save money at the pump but also extend the life of your tyres and improve your vehicle's overall safety.
Tyre Pressure Everything You Need to Know
Before we dive into how tyre pressure affects fuel efficiency, let's first understand what tyre pressure is and why it's important.
What is Tyre Pressure?
Tyre pressure refers to the amount of air inside your vehicle's tyres. It is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) and can be found in your vehicle's owner's manual or on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb.
Recommended Tyre Pressure for Your Vehicle
The recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle is determined by the manufacturer and takes into account factors such as the vehicle's weight, size, and intended use. It's crucial to follow these recommendations to ensure optimal performance and safety.
3 Factors Affecting Tyre Pressure
Tyre pressure can fluctuate due to various factors, including:
- Temperature changes:As the outside temperature drops, so does the air pressure in your tyres. Conversely, when the temperature rises, the air pressure increases.
- Altitude:At higher altitudes, the air pressure in your tires will decrease due to the change in atmospheric pressure.
- Load on the vehicle:The more weight your vehicle is carrying, the more air pressure your tyres will need to support the load.
How Incorrect Tyre Pressure Affects Fuel Efficiency
Now that we understand tyre pressure let's explore how incorrect tyre pressure can affect your vehicle's fuel efficiency.
1. Underinflated Tyres
When your tyres don't have enough air, they have a bigger patch of rubber touching the road. This makes it harder for your tyres to roll, so your engine has to use more gas to keep your car moving at the same speed.
You can lose 0.2% of your fuel economy for every 1 PSI your tyres are underinflated. That might not seem like a lot, but it adds up, especially if more than one tyre is low.
Underinflated tyres also wear out faster. The middle of the tyre wears down more quickly than the edges, so you have to replace your tyres sooner.
To avoid this, check your tyre pressure every month with a tyre gauge. If your tyres keep losing air, have a mechanic check for leaks or damage.
2. Overinflated Tyres
Putting too much air in your tyres is also bad. When your tyres are overinflated, they have a smaller patch of rubber on the road. This can give you a bumpy ride and make it harder to control your car, especially in bad weather.
Some people think overinflating tyres improve gas mileage because there's less rolling resistance. But the small gains in fuel efficiency aren't worth the risks.
Over-inflatg tyres are more likely to get damaged by potholes or curbs. They can even blow out suddenly, which is very dangerous at high speeds.
Just like with underinflated tyres, overinflated ones wear unevenly. The middle of the tyre wears down more slowly than the edges, which can make your car harder to handle.
To prevent overinflation, always fill your tyres to the pressure recommended by your car's manufacturer(most between 28-36 PSI). You can find this number in your owner's manual or on a sticker inside your driver's side door. Use a tyre gauge to check the pressure, and don't just go by how the tyres look.
How to Check and Adjust the Tyre Pressure of Your Car
Keeping your tyres at the right pressure is important for good gas mileage and safe driving. Here's how to check and adjust your tyre pressure.
How to Check Tyre Pressure
You'll need a tyre pressure gauge (tyre inflator with pressure gauge better) to check your tyre pressure. Here's what to do:
- Take the cap off the valve stem on your tyre.
- Push the gauge firmly onto the valve stem until it gives you a reading.
- Check the reading against the recommended pressure for your car. You can find this in your owner's manual or on a sticker inside your driver's side door.
- Do this for all four tyres.
It's best to do it when your tyres are "cold," meaning you haven't driven more than a mile or two. Driving warms up your tyres and changes the pressure reading.
How to Adjust Tyre Pressure? 6 Steps
If your tyre pressure is too low, you need to add air. You can do this at most gas stations, which have air pumps. Here's how:
- Park close to the air pump and turn off your engine.
- Take the cap off the valve stem.
- Put the air pump hose on the valve stem. Add air in short bursts.
- Check the pressure with your gauge after each burst.
- When the pressure is right, put the valve cap back on.
- Repeat for the other tires.
If your tyre pressure is too high, let some air out by pushing on the pin in the center of the valve stem with the back of your gauge or a pen tip. Prepare a portable tyre inflator is the best way, using tips here.
How to Keep Tyre Pressure Even
It's important to keep the pressure the same in all four tyres. If it's not even, your car might pull to one side or wear your tyres unevenly.
- Keep a tyre gauge in your glove box so you always have it handy.
- If you have trouble bending down to reach your tyres, get a gauge with a flexible hose.
- Write down your car's recommended tyre pressure on a sticky note and put it in your glove box for easy reference.
- If your tyres keep losing pressure, you might have a slow leak. Get it checked out by a mechanic.
- When the seasons change, the outside temperature changes too. This affects your tyre pressure, so check it more often in the fall and spring.
By checking and adjusting your tyre pressure regularly, you'll save money on gas, make your tyres last longer, and stay safer on the road.
Additional Tips for Maximizing Fuel Efficiency
Besides keeping your tyres at the right pressure, you can do other things to get better gas mileage:
1. Take Care of Your Tyres
- Rotate and balance them regularly
- Keep your wheels aligned
2. Choose the Right Tyres
- Get fuel-efficient ones for better mileage
- Make sure they fit your car and driving conditions
3. Drive Smart
- Accelerate gently and keep a steady speed
- Coast to a stop and avoid idling
- Travel light and plan your trips
Practical Tips:
- Watch your car's gas mileage display for real-time feedback
- Combine errands and avoid rush hour when you can
- Find the cheapest gas near you with apps or websites
- Keep your car tuned up for peak efficiency
By taking good care of your tyres, picking the right ones, and driving wisely, you can stretch your gas money further.
Don't Let Your Tyres Deflate Your Wallet!
Maintaining proper tyre pressure is a simple way to boost your car's fuel efficiency and save money. Underinflated tyres waste gas and wear out quickly, while overinflated ones give a rough ride and are prone to damage.
Check your pressure monthly with a gauge and keep it at the recommended level. When combined with smart driving habits and regular tyre care, the right pressure can help you get the most out of every fill-up and keep your tyres rolling smoothly for miles to come. So, grab a gauge and give your tyres some TLC today - your budget and your car will be glad you did!
