The Best Way to Improve Gas Mileage

We’re all feeling pain at the pump these days, and with gas prices continuing to rise, getting better gas mileage is top of mind. Fortunately, one of the best ways to improve your vehicle’s gas mileage is also the least expensive: keeping your tires properly inflated!

With just a few minutes of your time and a couple of dollars out of your pocket, inflating your tires can increase your gas mileage by up to 3%! Correctly inflated tires will also result in improved handling, longer tire life, and a lower risk of accidents and tire blowouts.

We recommend checking your tire pressure at least once a month. Pick a date you will remember, like the first day of the month or payday, and be consistent about checking the pressure on that day, especially as the seasons change.

Read: 7 Tips on How to Get Better Gas Mileage

How to Check Tire Pressure

 

All vehicles manufactured after 2007 have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that alerts you when your tires are overinflated or underinflated. However, it’s still a good idea to regularly check your tire pressure manually.

When measuring tire pressure, you’re looking at pounds per square inch (PSI). Most cars require around 30–35 PSI.

To properly check your vehicle’s PSI, you will need:

• A quality tire pressure gauge
• The manufacturer’s recommended air pressure for your vehicle’s tires.

Tire Pressure Gauge

Tire gauges come in a variety of styles and can be found at most automotive parts stores. A basic “pencil”-style tire gauge will get the job done, but a digital gauge is more reliable and easier to use.

A high-quality gauge is essential for accurate readings, and it will only cost you $15–$20.

Recommended Air Pressure

The manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure can be found in the owner’s manual and on a sticker on the driver’s side door or door jamb. There may be different pressure requirements for the front and back tires.

DO NOT use the PSI that is printed on the sidewall of your tires. This is not the recommended PSI; it is the maximum inflation pressure. Filling your tire to this pressure is unsafe and could cause a blowout.

Vehicle manufacturers set the recommended pressure when the tires are cold. So, for the most accurate measure of your tire’s PSI, you should check them in the morning before you leave or after the vehicle has been parked for three or more hours.

Measuring Tire Pressure

To measure tire pressure, first park the vehicle and set the emergency brake. Remove the tire valve cap and put it in a safe place, like your pocket. Then, press the tire gauge firmly onto the valve stem and hold it for a couple of seconds until you get a reading.

If you hear any air leaking while holding the tire gauge in position, move the gauge around until it seals and the hissing stops.

With a pencil-style gauge, a thin bar will pop out from the bottom of the gauge. Markings on the bar will show the PSI. A dial gauge will show the PSI on the dial, and a digital gauge will display the PSI on the screen.

You may need to take a reading 2-3 times to get the most accurate result. Write down which tires are below the recommended pressure setting so you know which tires to inflate. And don’t forget to check the spare!

Read: How Does Cold Weather Impact Tire Pressure?

How to Put Air in Your Tires

When you have an underinflated tire, it’s time to find an air pump!

Some people opt to purchase their own air compressor. There are portable options available for as low as $50. However, most people choose to use the air pump at their local gas station.

Inflating Your Tires

1. Park your vehicle where you will be able to easily access all four tires with the air hose. Set the emergency brake.
2. Remove the valve stem caps on your tires and put them in a safe place, like your pocket.
3. Use your tire gauge to check the tire pressure (see above for instructions).
   1. If you’re using the gas station air pump, don’t rely on the gauge attached to the air hose as it is likely inaccurate.
   2. If your tires are “warm,” (i.e., you’ve driven more than 15 miles or 15 minutes), add 2–4 PSI to the reading to compensate for the higher pressure condition.
4. Turn on the air compressor. If it’s a free air pump, you typically just need to push a button to get it started. For air pumps that require payment, it will start once your payment is accepted.
5. Press the air hose fitting down onto the valve stem. Some air pumps may have a lever/handle that you need to squeeze to get the air flowing. Fill the tire for 10–15 seconds, then check the tire pressure with your gauge. Continue adding air until you reach the recommended pressure.
   1. Automatic air pumps will ask you to set the desired PSI beforehand. The machine will automatically fill your tire to the desired PSI and beep once the tire is filled.
6. If you add too much air, release air by pressing the pin inside the valve stem with the air hose nozzle or with the little knob on the back of a pencil tire gauge.
7. Continue with the remaining tires until they are all at the proper pressure, then return the air hose to the compressor. The compressor will automatically shut off.
8. Screw the valve caps back on!

Many Virginia Tire & Auto locations have a free air pump available outside the store. And if there’s not a pump, we will gladly pull your vehicle into a bay to check and inflate your tires for free!

And if you’ve purchased tires from us, you get free nitrogen top-offs for the life of the tire with tires&! Nitrogen helps your tires maintain proper tire pressure longer by not leaking as quickly as regular air. This leads to increased fuel efficiency, longer tire tread life and improved tire performance.

Read: Why You Should Consider Filling Your Tires with Nitrogen