The Hidden Gas Saver - Tire Pressure Directly Affects More Than You Think

Most drivers only think about tire pressure when a warning light comes on, I do, but the truth is it has a direct impact on gas mileage, tire wear, and even safety. A few pounds of air one way or the other can cost you money and comfort without you realizing it.

Gas Mileage

Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing your car to burn extra fuel just to keep moving. Even being just a few PSI below the recommended pressure can reduce fuel efficiency by 2-3% or more.

Overinflated tires may roll a little easier, which can give a small bump in MPG, but you pay for it in other ways -- like a harsher ride and uneven wear.

Tire Wear & Safety

Too low: The outer edges of your tire wear faster, heat builds up inside the rubber (which can lead to dangerous blowouts), and handling gets sloppy.

Too high: The center of the tread wears out quicker, traction drops -- especially on wet roads -- and your ride feels bumpier.

What's Best?

The sweet spot is the pressure recommended by your car's manufacturer. You'll find it on a sticker inside the driver's door or in your owner's manual.

A small tweak is fine:

+1-2 PSI above the recommendation if you want to squeeze out a little better mileage and don't mind a firmer ride.

Never below the recommended level -- that's where you lose both efficiency and safety.

In short: Stick to the recommended pressure, or at most 1-2 PSI higher -- not lower.

What is the best time to check your tire preassure?

On cold mornings, your tire pressure can drop a few PSI, while on hot afternoons it can rise. That's why it's best to check and adjust when tires are "cold" -- before you've driven more than a mile or two.

By the way this Monkey Grip Quick Stop Tire Inflator by Bell Automotive is the best one I've ever had. I purchased it since the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020. More than 5 years later as I write this. it's still working.

Buy it on Amazon - Bell Automotive Monkey Grip Quick Stop Tire Inflator

Lately I've noticed that my car's miles per gallon dropped by at least two miles. At first, I couldn't figure out why--until I realized all my tires were way below the recommended preassure of 33 PSI. That's probably why I've been missing out on those precious MPGs. With gas being so damn expensive these days, every little bit counts.

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