Does tire pressure really make a difference in gas mileage?

Question

and how/why?

Answer 1

If you don't have enough pressure in your tires, the car will not roll/run as smoothly. Therefore, it will either:

a) take more gas to keep it up to the speed and performance you are demanding from it.

b) drive slower, take more time to get to where you're going, therefore using more gas.

Answer 2

There is no question that having the right pressure in your tires will improve your gas mileage. As folks have mentioned, you can ussually find the correct pressures on a label typically on the door jamb, inside the fuel filler door, or inside the glovebox.

Whatever you do, DO NOT, fill your tires to the maximum capacity. This would make you very susceptible to blow outs particularly in hot weather and during extended highway driving. Also too much pressure (as well as too little) will cause your tires to wear improperly, substantially shortening their life and eating up all that gas money you saved.

Your best bet is to stick to manufacturer's recommended pressure and don't trust the pressure guage that's ussually part of the air pump at the gas station, it's not very accurate. Invest in a nice dial guage and check your pressure every couple of weeks and you'll be in good shape.

Answer 3

Tire pressure makes a lot of difference in gas mileage. Look on the side wall of you tires and you will see how much pressure to put in them. I always inflate to maximum pressure. and check pressure once each week or so. Tire pressure also has effect on tire ware, keep the pressure right and they will last longer.

Answer 4

High gasoline prices are burning a hole in our wallets.

But many of us are throwing away some of our gas money because of something we forget to check ...something that can rob us of gas mileage!


"Excuse me!"

There's nothing like surprising a driver by offering to check his...tire pressure!


"Is this your car? Can I check your pressure on your front tire?"

Sure enough, it was low...by quite a bit.


"I'm reading about 17 pounds...What do you think? That's a little low!"

And that can cause your car to suck down a lot more expensive gasoline than it needs to, according to Triple A.


"It can affect your gas mileage by a good percentage...I'd say 15 to 20 percent."

--That's right...the EPA says your mileage drops 1% for every 2 pounds under the recommended tire pressure.

--Most automakers recommend 32 Lbs per tire, but it varies by car and tire brand.

--So Triple A suggests you check inside your Glove Box or in Driver's Door Jamb for the exact pressure your car requires.

Don't think your tires are low? Neither did Jeff Monroe...


"I try to, I try to, but I'm sure I'm not doing it all the time."

Indeed, the Dont Waste Your Money pressure police found him low by 5 pounds.


"About 27 pounds."

So check em, and add air,


...and you'll save precious pennies at your next fill up.


Remember...Riding on low tires is costing you extra gas money.

So check your pressure at least once a month, if not every two weeks, so you don't waste your money.

Answer 5

Yes. Have your tire pressure too low increases the rolling resistance. Unlike what some people think, do inflate to the max pressure rating on the side of the tire. You should find the manufacturers recommendation. Many times it is the users manual or along the door jam.

Answer 6

YES.... tire pressure has to be even in all tires and at the level that is recomended for that tire

Answer 7

yes, more air pressure less tire and friction on the road

Answer 8

Yes.

A poorly inflated tire doesn't roll as easily as a properly inflated one.

Answer 9

hell ya