Based on figures from the DOT, NHTSA and AAA, the Autochannel tallied up the numbers and came to the conclusion that 2.8 Billion gallons of gas were wasted due to underinflated tires. Tires underinflated by 7-10psi could decrease fuel efficiency by up to 10 percent, making the average vehicle burn an extra 44 gallons a year. In other words, use that tire gauge. Here are some other tips on how to get better mileage.
Sources: Autochannel, National Motorists Assoc.
Photo: Practical Environmentalist
Underinflated tires could also get you killed, and some stupid government regulation makes it even worse…
Would be interesting to know how many gallons are wasted because of traffic jams!
Many Drivers are so far removed from the basic mechanics of their car, they’ll rely on their tyre pressures being maintained as a courtesy check, when the car goes for an oil change or a tyre rotation. Also interesting how many Drivers will call their breakdown company when they get a puncture, as they don’t know how to change the wheel, or even there is equipment to do so in the back of their car.
If there was an small element of basic car maintenance in the US driving test, I’m sure much of this could be avoided.
I drive on 245/30/20 fronts and 285/25/20 rears that require 50PSI max. I like them at 44PSI. One thing you have to be careful about is checking your pressure after visiting the dealer, tire store, or lube shop. On several occasions, even after telling them to stay away from my tires, they have set the pressure at 36PSI. Their excuse is that they set all tires to that as a standard!