Fuel efficiency is a key concern for drivers, especially as fuel bills continue to rise. Maintaining the correct tire pressure is one of the simplest and most effective ways to save fuel and improve your vehicle's overall performance. Whether you're driving a traditional gas-powered vehicle, a plug-in hybrid, or an electric vehicle, having properly inflated tires plays a crucial role in optimizing fuel economy and reducing wear and tear.
In this guide, we’ll discuss how the right tire pressures can reduce fuel consumption, how to check your tire pressure, and how the Carista OBD2 Scanner & App can help you manage tire pressure checks and TPMS ID sensor registration with ease.
What is Tire Pressure?
Tire pressure refers to the amount of air inside your vehicle's tires, measured in pounds per square inch (psi). It's a crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance, as the correct pressure ensures that the tires are properly inflated to support the weight of your vehicle and maintain optimal performance on the road. The right tire pressure not only enhances safety but also impacts fuel efficiency, tire wear, and handling.
Why Tire Pressure Matters?
Your vehicle’s tires are the only contact point with the road, and the amount of air in them influences how much friction and resistance your vehicle encounters. Under-inflated tires cause more resistance, making your engine work harder to maintain speed, which increases fuel consumption. On the other hand, properly inflated tires can help reduce rolling resistance, leading to smoother driving and saving fuel.
Overinflation and underinflation can increase the chance of getting into a serious car accident by 300%, according to recent searches. If you’re serious about reducing your fuel bills, it’s time to start paying attention to the air in your tires.
What is The Impact of Tire Pressure on Fuel Efficiency?
Maintaining the recommended tire pressure ensures that your tires perform at their best. The vehicle handbook usually specifies the correct pounds per square inch (psi) for both the front and rear tires, considering the vehicle’s weight and load distribution.
Incorrect tire pressure can reduce the lifespan of your tires, diminish handling, and increase fuel consumption. For example, tires that are just 10 psi below the recommended level can lead to a 1-2% decrease in fuel efficiency, which over time can cost hundreds of dollars in extra fuel.
This makes checking tire pressure a priority not just for safety but for your wallet, too. And using the right tool, like a tire pressure gauge, ensures you get accurate readings every time.
How to Check Your Tire Pressure?
- Get a Tire Pressure Gauge: Ensure you have a reliable tire pressure gauge to get precise psi readings.
- Check Tire Pressure When Cold: Tires should be checked when they are cold because heat from driving causes air to expand, giving a false high reading.
- Carista OBD2 TPMS Service tool: With our money-saving TPMS Registration tool you can check the current pressure of each of your tires in just a few clicks from you phone. Check vehicle availability here.
- Use Your Vehicle Handbook: The correct psi values are in your vehicle handbook or printed on a sticker inside the driver’s side door.
- Adjust as Needed: If the reading is too low, inflate the tires to the recommended psi. Over-inflated tires can also cause issues, so make sure not to exceed the maximum psi limit.
How Can I Check the Recommended Tire Pressure?
Every car owner can refer to their manual for the recommended values - usually, you will see a figure in pounds per square inch (PSI) and it is less frequently shown in BARS. Most manufacturers give numbers of 32 to 35 PSI for the average passenger car as they might vary for each brand and model.
However, let`s assume you cannot find the manual; many modern vehicles have a dedicated sticker inside the driver's door, which is very useful to have a look at. Do have in mind that recommended figures refer to cold tires, which means that the vehicle should not have been on the move for at least an hour. Driving around heats up the tires, and causes a pressure increase.
How Often Should the Tire Pressure be inspected?
Experts advise that tires should be examined on a monthly basis as figures change due to the weather and the driving frequency. You better not wait for a visible sign that something might be wrong to check the tire pressure and avoid any costly repairs in the long term. Of course, it is a must to do this task before a long journey or when driving on various terrains. Last but not least, if such warning lights pop up on your dashboard, you better control the tire pressure at the nearest gas station. This lets you know if one tire's air pressure is down only slightly or if the tire has suddenly lost almost all its air.
Decode the meaning behind the TPMS fault code and many others with the Carista OBD2 Scanner & App:
- Basic OBD2 diagnostics: Diagnose the meaning of a warning light. Pinpoint underlying issues with your car's systems and quickly get rid of those trouble codes.
- Advanced diagnostics* (requires in-app subscription): Access all of your car's modules, including ABS, airbags, instrument cluster, etc., and reset manufacturer-specific fault codes.
Risks of under-inflated tires
Low-pressure tires reduce the vehicle's stability on the road and lead to excessive wear at the edges of the tires, thus decreasing their longevity. Furthermore, under-inflated tires will increase your fuel consumption and cause severe problems with the suspension, steering, and braking performance. Finally, underinflation can overheat pretty quickly and therefore make your vehicle more vulnerable to aquaplaning. If those are not enough reasons for you to check regularly your tire pressure, then hop on the risks of having over-inflated ones.
Risks of over-inflated tires
Tire failures can also be detected if the pressure is too high. Due to a loss of traction, vehicles are more likely to get into collisions or car accidents, blow out if driving at a higher speed, poor grip, and overall unstable vehicle performance. In this case, tires will decrease their lifespan and you will find yourself changing them more often.
How Carista OBD2 Scanner & App Can Help?
The Carista OBD2 Scanner & App is a game-changer for car enthusiasts and those looking to maintain peak fuel efficiency. It not only helps you monitor tire pressures in real-time but also allows you to register TPMS ID sensors, making it easier to stay on top of your tire health. You can also check other diagnostics and customize vehicle settings through the app.
Here’s how the Carista OBD2 Scanner can support you in maximizing fuel efficiency:
- TPMS ID Sensor Registration: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are designed to alert you when your tires are under-inflated, but these sensors need to be registered properly with your vehicle. Carista allows you to register your TPMS sensors easily, ensuring the system works flawlessly.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Get live updates on your tire pressures, eliminating the guesswork.
More from Carista on:
TPMS Sensor Replacement: Cost, Procedure, and DIY Guide
What is Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) Registration and Why it is important?
Driving Habits that Influence Fuel Efficiency
While maintaining the correct tyre pressures is essential, your driving styles also play a significant role in your vehicle’s fuel economy. Here are some driving tips to help you save fuel:
- Use Cruise Control: Keeping a steady speed on highways can improve your fuel efficiency by reducing the amount of work your engine has to do. When you combine inflated tires with a well-maintained cruise control system, you’re on the path to save fuel.
- Avoid Unnecessary Braking: Harsh braking and acceleration can reduce your fuel economy. By maintaining a steady speed and planning ahead, you’ll avoid wasting fuel.
- Avoid Unnecessary Idling: Modern cars don’t need to idle to warm up. Idling for long periods can waste gas, especially when your tire pressures are not optimized.
By adopting these habits, along with proper tire maintenance, you can see a significant improvement in your vehicle's fuel economy.
Tire Pressure and Electric Vehicles
For those driving electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids, tire pressure is even more critical. The efficiency of an electric motor is highly dependent on reducing any drag or resistance the vehicle encounters. Maintaining the right tire pressure in an electric vehicle can help you get the most range per charge, while under-inflated tires will drain your battery faster.
Additionally, electric vehicles are typically heavier due to their batteries, which means they are more susceptible to tire wear. Maintaining the correct tyre pressures will extend the life of your tires and save fuel (or electricity) in the long run.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date content regarding OBD2 tools, diagnostics, and related automotive issues, the specifics of each vehicle may vary.
**Always consult your vehicle’s manufacturer guidelines and consider seeking professional assistance when dealing with complex or critical diagnostic issues.