How Tire Pressure Affects Fuel Economy?

Fuel economy is a major concern for car owners. The higher the fuel efficiency, the less money you spend on gas. One factor that affects fuel economy is tire pressure. In this article, we will discuss how tire pressure affects fuel economy and provide tips on how to maintain optimal tire pressure.

How Does Tire Pressure Affect Fuel Economy?

Tire pressure plays a critical role in fuel economy. When your tires are underinflated, they create more rolling resistance against the road surface. This means that your engine has to work harder to move the car forward, resulting in increased fuel consumption.

On the other hand, overinflated tires can also negatively impact fuel economy by reducing the contact area between the tire and the road surface, which results in decreased traction leading to poor handling and braking. So, it is important to ensure that your tires are properly inflated to maximize fuel economy. Even TPMS valves, the small devices that monitor tire pressure, can help improve fuel economy. This is because they alert you when your tires are under-inflated so that you can take the necessary steps to fix the problem.

Optimal Tire Pressure for Maximum Fuel Efficiency

To achieve maximum fuel efficiency, it is crucial to maintain optimal tire pressure levels recommended by manufacturers for your vehicle model. These levels can be found in the owner’s manual or on the car door’s edge. You can also find the recommended tire pressure levels on the sidewalls of your tires.

To maintain optimal tire pressure, it is important to regularly check the air pressure of your tires using a tire pressure gauge. If you find that tires are underinflated, use an air compressor to add more air until they reach the desired levels. On the other hand, if your tires are overinflated, you can use a deflation valve to reduce the air pressure.

Tips for Maintaining Optimal Tire Pressure

Here are some tips for maintaining optimal tire pressure:

1.     Check Your Tires Regularly

Regularly checking your tire pressures using an accurate gauge can help prevent underinflation or overinflation of tires before it leads to decreased fuel efficiency or even accidents. This should be done at least once a month.

2.     Inflate Your Tires Properly

Inflate your tires with air only when they are cold, as heat generated from driving causes air expansion which leads to inaccurate readings during measurement. Use a high-quality air compressor and avoid inflating beyond manufacturer recommendations.

3.     Replace Worn Tires Promptly

Worn-out tires have lower tread depths than new ones, which reduce their ability for traction, leading to decreased grip and braking performance. Replacing worn-out tires as soon as possible can help improve fuel economy and increase the life of your car.

Conclusion

Tire pressure plays a significant role in determining vehicle safety and fuel efficiency. Underinflated or overinflated tires result in decreased performance output affecting overall mileage and leading to increased expenditure on fuels. By regularly checking up with professional mechanics and following the suggested tire pressure level of your car, you can ensure maximum safety as well as fuel efficiency. Thanks for reading.