If you’ve noticed your vehicle using more fuel than usual, your tyres could be to blame. Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder and burn more fuel. This article explains how tyre pressure impacts efficiency — and what you can do to keep fuel costs and wear low.
There are several reasons why you might find yourself forking out more for fuel than usual.
Some of them are obvious. If you are driving further, or driving at high speed, you might find yourself burning through more fuel than normal.
Some reasons, however, aren’t as clear.
For example, did you know that the pressure in your tyres has a huge effect on the amount of fuel you use during each journey?
Keep reading for a closer and more detailed look at the impact of your tyres on fuel consumption.
Why Does Tyre Pressure Affect Fuel Consumption
It all comes down to rolling resistance and the impact of tyre pressure on the vehicle’s response to steering and braking.
When tyres are underinflated, the amount of rubber surface touching the road increases.
When more tread makes contact with the road, the rolling resistance is increased and the amount of effort it takes to rotate the tyres increases significantly.
In short, the engine has to work harder to keep the car moving, therefore using more fuel.
