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Find out if underinflated tires use more gas and see tips for improving fuel efficiency
Have you ever noticed that you suddenly need to stop at post de gasolinena more often than usual? Or that the steering wheel has become heavier and the car is struggling to turn? It could be that the concern is something simple, but very common: a flat tire.
With fuel prices going up and down all the time, any tips on how to save is always welcome. And believe me, taking care of your tire pressure can be one of those precious tips to help reduce your expenses. Let's understand better how this works and, as a bonus, give you some tips on how to correctly calibrate your tires and save fuel.
Flat Tire: What explains the phenomenon?
Everyone knows that tires don’t last forever and that they need to be looked after. But did you know that there are several reasons why tires go flat? Some of these factors can be avoided, while others are unavoidable. Let’s take a look at the main reasons why tires lose pressure:
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1. Natural loss of air
Tires aren’t like balloons that stay filled with air forever. Over time, the rubber in your tire allows air to slowly escape without you even noticing. On average, a tire loses between 1 and 2 PSI (pounds per square inch) per month. This is a natural process, but if you don’t check it regularly, your tire could end up wearing out more than you expected.
2. Holes and damage
Any small puncture or cut caused by objects on the road can cause a tire to gradually lose pressure. Even the smallest damage can cause a leak that, over time, can result in a flat tire. And of course, valve problems are also a common cause.
3. Temperature changes
Temperature changes also affect tire pressure. During the winter, the air inside the tire tends to contract, making the tires appear underinflated, although they are not necessarily so. In the cold, however, the pressure can increase as the air expands, which can result in problems such as uneven rubber wear or even tire blowouts in extreme cases.
Why are underinflated tires dangerous?
Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, just inflate your tires and you’re good to go.” But driving on underinflated tires isn’t just about saving fuel. It can put you and others at risk. Let’s take a look at how it happens:
1. Less efficient brakes
Imagine you are driving and suddenly you need to stop abruptly, perhaps to avoid a collision. If your tires are underinflated, the area of contact with the ground increases, which makes braking more difficult. With less pressure, the car may take longer to stop, and in an emergency, this difference could be the cause of a serious accident.
2. Loss of stability
Underinflated tires also affect the stability of the car. A larger contact patch with the ground can reduce the vehicle's grip, especially at high speeds or on wet roads. This can cause skidding and even loss of control of the car. The steering wheel, in turn, can become heavier, making driving more difficult and unsafe.
3. Uneven wear
When tires are not properly inflated, they can wear unevenly, especially at the edges. This not only reduces the lifespan of the tire, but can also increase the chance of a flat or tear, which is a major concern in itself. And in more serious situations, it can even result in a tire blowout.
4. Higher fuel consumption
Underinflated tires increase friction with the ground, making the engine work harder to keep the car moving. And when the engine has to work harder, fuel consumption goes up. We'll understand this better in the next topic.
Do underinflated tires really increase fuel consumption?
Yes, it’s true! Underinflated tires create more resistance to the car’s movement, which means the engine needs more energy to turn the wheels. This results in increased fuel consumption. It’s estimated that a lack of proper inflation can increase fuel consumption by up to 20%, depending on the conditions. And in extreme cases, with all the tires underinflated and the car loaded, this increase can be as much as 50%! This means that by taking care of your tire pressure, you could be saving a good amount of money at the gas station.
How to Check and Correct Tire Pressure
Now that you know the reasons why tires lose air and the dangers of driving with underinflated tires, let's learn how to fix it. Check out the step-by-step guide:
1. Check the pressure
The first thing to do is check the current tire pressure. To do this, you can use a pressure gauge, available at many gas stations, or you can buy one to use at home.
2. Find an air source
Buy an air pump from a gas station or use an air compressor. If you are at home, you can use a portable compressor.
3. Add air to the tire
Connect a hose from the air pump to the tire nozzle and begin inflating until you reach the recommended pressure. The ideal tire pressure for your car is not listed in the owner's manual, so always refer to that information.
4. Check again
After inflating the tire, use the gauge to check the pressure again. If necessary, adjust until the pressure is correct.
Extra tips to save fuel
Now that you know how to keep your tires inflated, here are some other valuable tips to save fuel and extend the life of your car:
1. Regular facade maintenance
Keeping your car in good condition is essential to saving fuel. Make sure your alignment and balancing are up to date, and change your oil regularly. Well-maintained cars consume less fuel.
2. Avoid driving with your foot on the clutch
Leaving your foot resting on the intake increases fuel consumption and wears out the car's system. Always rest your foot when you are not changing gear.
3. Control the weight of the car
Avoid overloading your car. The more weight, the more effort the engine has to make to move the vehicle, which increases fuel consumption.
4. Choose good quality fuel
Always fill up at trusted gas stations. Better quality fuel can harm engine performance and increase fuel consumption.
Keeping your tires properly inflated is not only a safety issue, but also an effective way to save fuel. By taking care of your tires, you reduce resistance to movement, improve your car's handling and, of course, reduce your gas costs. So, the next time you fill up, don't forget to check your tire pressure. Your wallet and the environment will thank you.
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