Gas Mileage and Tires
Effective Fuel efficiency is often as simple as where the "Rubber meets the road". The greater the load and friction your vehicle's Tires are under, will dictate your engines fuel efficiency.
Tires Low On Pressure
When a Tire is low on pressure, it flattens out more (like a pancake) causing more of the tires surface area to make contact with the road, which in turn increases friction. As friction increases, you will need to depress the gas pedal slightly more to maintain speed, consuming more gasoline than usual.
Generally, on most vehicles, tires should be at 30 PSI (PSI = Pounds Per Square Inch). But check your vehicle manufacturer's ideal tire pressure for the particular make and model.
If your cars steering is pulling to the left, (or to the right), chances are the tire in the direction it is getting pulled, has less pressure and will need inflating. Always keep your Tires air pressure balanced
When It Is OK To Have Low Tire Pressure
- Sand: If you a 4WD'ing in Sand, your tires need to be deflated, in order to give you maximum traction, or spread. They should be lowered no less than 12 PSI. Yes, you heard right. I do extensive driving on sand (Fishing on Fraser Island), and your tires will happily operate at that pressure, so long it is at low speed, with no sharp turns (which could roll the tire off the rim, if not aware of it). This prevents you from getting bogged, as more of the tire is in contact with the soft sandy surface.
- Snow: Snow Is almost the same fluidity and properties as Sand, therefore the same rules apply, but ONLY if you are cutting through DEEP Virgin snow for extensive periods of time. Remember to re-inflate your tires when your back on the road
- Winter: In colder areas, where there is ice, it is recommended to lower your tire pressure to 26 PSI, giving you that little extra traction. Again, remember to re-inflate as you approach Spring Time. Check your tires sidewall to confirm the maximum PSI.
Over Inflated/Too Much Pressure
- A tire inflated above 35 PSI will wear out the center if the tire tread prematurely
- Over inflated tires lower the comfort of your ride, making it hard & bumpy
- In extremely hot arid areas, the temperature inside the tire will increase, raising the PSI to dangerous levels, possibly causing a "blowout".
As a responsible driver, remember to check your tire pressure regularly. Whenever you fill up the tank with Gasoline.
Buy a Digital Tire Pressure gauge, this will make life a lot easier and more accurate. You can get an ultra accurate, digital Tire Gauge on eBay for around $10 - $15
