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Maximizing Fuel Economy With Proper Tire Pressure

maximizing fuel economy with proper tire pressure

Fuel economy offers a precise measurement of how far a vehicle can travel on a set amount of fuel; this is expressed in miles per gallon (mpg) for gas-powered cars in the United States. In contrast, fuel efficiency broadly refers to how effectively a vehicle uses fuel.

A car with a higher fuel economy means it is more fuel-efficient. Meanwhile, a car with lower fuel economy uses more fuel to cover the same distance, making it cost more to operate and emitting more pollution.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about fuel economy and how maintaining proper tire pressure improves efficiency and reduces costs.

Where to Find Fuel Economy and MPG Information

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determines the mpg ratings for cars through a combination of manufacturer self-reporting and EPA testing. You can find fuel economy ratings for vehicles dating back to 1984 here.

In 2012, the EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) introduced significant updates to fuel economy labels that are placed on the windows of new cars. This gives buyers more information than before, from fuel economy and fuel costs to environmental impacts such as smog and greenhouse gas ratings.

How to Figure Out Your Car’s Fuel Economy

Determining your vehicle’s fuel economy is a straightforward process, and there are several methods you can use.

Online gas mileage calculators offer a quick and easy way to determine your vehicle’s mpg with the data you input. For newer cars, you can simply check the dashboard for the fuel economy. Yet, if that feature isn’t available, you can manually calculate your car’s fuel efficiency by following these steps.

  1. Fill your gas tank fully and either reset your trip odometer or record the exact mileage after refilling.
  2. Drive your car as you would normally.
  3. Refill your tank and record your mileage. The longer you wait to refill, the more accurate your calculation, as it will include a more balanced mix of driving conditions.
  4. Divide the number of miles driven by the number of gallons the vehicle took in to refill.

Why Tire Pressure Matters

Underinflated tires are soft, creating more rolling resistance, the energy required to keep a car’s tires moving at a constant speed. This forces the engine to work harder and burn more fuel to move the car, ultimately causing you to spend more money to get where you’re going.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, underinflated tires can lower gas mileage by about 0.2% for every 1 pound per square inch (psi) drop in the average pressure of all tires. Keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure can improve your gas mileage by up to 3%.

It’s also worth noting that underinflated tires pose serious risks to your safety and vehicle performance. They can lead to blowouts, longer stopping distances, uneven tire wear, and compromised vehicle handling and stability.

How to Maintain Your Tires and Improve Fuel Economy

Here are effective ways to maintain your tires and improve your vehicle’s fuel economy.

Adjust the Tire Pressure

Keep tires inflated with just the right amount of air; you don’t want too much or too little. You can find the recommended tire pressure on a sticker in the driver’s side door jamb or in the owner’s manual.

Using a tire gauge, measure your tire’s psi, and then add or release air from the tire to get to the correct number. Many gas stations provide free air for inflating tires.

Rotate Tires Regularly

Rotating your tires regularly helps them last longer by ensuring the tread wears evenly across all tires. This should occur approximately twice a year, or as often as specified in your owner’s manual.

Check the Wheel Alignment

A wheel alignment refers to an adjustment of the vehicle’s suspension system, which connects the wheels to the vehicle. If you notice uneven tread wear, the vehicle pulling to the left or right, or the steering wheel vibrating, you should have your alignment checked by a licensed service technician.

Replace Tires When Needed

Tires don’t last forever, and knowing when to replace your tires is made easy with the penny test.

First, place a penny upside down into a tread groove. Then, examine the part of the penny that’s showing. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tire is worn out and it’s time for a replacement.

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