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According to fueleconomy.gov maintaining the proper inflation pressure of your tires can improve your fuel economy by three percent, but even a small reduction in pressure can have a significant effect on your fuel economy.
Having a tire under-inflated by as little as one pound can reduce your fuel economy by 0.3 percent. Under-inflated tires wear faster and are more susceptible to failure. -
Even a tire in good condition will lose air pressure over time.Tire pressure is measured in "pounds per square inch" which is abbreviated as psi. Typically a loss of one psi per month is normal, but an older tire or one mounted on a damaged rim could lose pressure at a faster rate.
For a tire with a recommended inflation pressure of 30 psi, a one pound per month loss will leave it under-inflated by 20 percent after six months. When striking a road hazard a tire that is under-inflated by 20 percent is more prone to blow-outs or sidewall damage. When hitting pot holes or bridge expansion joints the greater flex allowed by the sidewall of an under-inflated tire can also lead to serious wheel damage. -
Under-inflated tires generate more friction which can be detrimental in two primary ways. Friction generates heat and excessive heat can damage the structure of a tire over time. Friction also increases rolling resistance which will reduce fuel economy.
Overinflated tires will wear more quickly and unevenly. An overinflated tire will transmit more road noise and vibration into the cockpit resulting in a more uncomfortable ride. -
Tire pressure chart inside a fuel door.Checking your tire pressure every time you fill your tank or at least once a month is the most effective way to ensure that you maintain the correct pressure.
The chart with your vehicle's correct pressure settings is typically located in either the glove compartment, the owner's manual, inside the fuel door or on the driver's door jam. The pressure indicated on the tire's sidewall is the maximum allowable pressure for that tire and is not usually the pressure recommended by the vehicle's manufacturer for normal driving conditions.
Do not rely on the tire pressure gauge built into a service station's air compressor. Frequent drops or misuse often makes them unreliable and inaccurate. Invest in a tire pressure gauge that you can keep in the glove compartment. A simple pencil shaped gauge is adequate, but a dial type is generally more accurate and easier to read. -
If you use an oil change facility that includes a tire pressure check as part of their service recheck the pressure after they have completed the job. It is not uncommon for them to automatically inflate your tires to the maximum air pressure listed on the tire's sidewall instead of locating the manufacturer's recommended pressure.
When you check your tire's air pressure do a visual inspection to see if your tires are wearing unevenly or if there is any apparent damage to them.
