Tire pressure might seem like a minor detail, but it has a major impact on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, properly inflated tires can improve gas mileage by up to 3%—and underinflated tires are one of the most common (and preventable) reasons for decreased fuel economy.
Here’s why tire pressure matters, how to check it, and how keeping your tires properly inflated can help you save money at the pump.
Why Tire Pressure Impacts Fuel Efficiency
When your tires are underinflated, they create more rolling resistance—the friction between your tires and the road. This forces your engine to work harder to move the vehicle, increasing fuel consumption.
Key effects of underinflated tires:
- Reduced fuel economy
- Uneven or accelerated tire wear
- Poor vehicle handling and braking performance
- Higher risk of tire failure
Driving with tires just 5 PSI below the recommended level can reduce fuel efficiency by more than 1.5 miles per gallon. Over time, that adds up to significant fuel (and financial) waste.
How to Check and Maintain Tire Pressure
- Know your vehicle’s recommended pressure:
Check your owner’s manual or the sticker inside the driver’s side door frame. This tells you the correct PSI (pounds per square inch) for your front and rear tires.
- Use a reliable pressure gauge:
Digital or analog gauges are affordable and easy to store in your glove box.
- Check when tires are cold:
For the most accurate reading, measure pressure when the car has been parked for at least 3 hours or driven less than a mile.
- Top up with air if needed:
Most gas stations offer air pumps. Some are free; others may charge a small fee. Consider investing in a portable air compressor if you drive frequently.
When to Check Tire Pressure
You should check tire pressure at least once a month, and before any long trip. Temperature changes also affect pressure—cold weather causes tires to lose air, while hot weather can increase pressure.
Tire Pressure and Fuel Savings in Practice
Let’s say you drive 15,000 miles per year. With gas at $3.50 per gallon and your car averaging 25 MPG, you’re buying around 600 gallons annually. Improving your fuel economy by 3% through proper tire pressure could save you 18 gallons per year, or roughly $63—and that’s without accounting for extended tire life and safety benefits.
Apps to Help Track Maintenance
If you’re already using apps to track gas prices (like GasBuddy or Waze), consider pairing them with maintenance apps to track tire checks and other routine services.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining proper tire pressure is one of the simplest ways to boost fuel efficiency, reduce wear, and save money. It takes just a few minutes each month and requires no special tools—just consistency.
Keeping your tires at the right PSI isn’t just good maintenance. It’s smart driving.
