Improved Gas Mileage with Increased Tire Pressure?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Loren Booda
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    Pressure Tire
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the impact of increased tire pressure on gas mileage, particularly in the context of city driving. Participants share personal experiences and insights regarding the feasibility and implications of inflating tires beyond standard recommendations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reports a gas mileage improvement from 22.5 to 25 mpg after inflating tires by 10-20%, questioning the feasibility of this change.
  • Another participant agrees that increased tire pressure can lead to improved mileage but notes potential downsides, such as asymmetric tire wear and reduced traction, which could increase crash risk.
  • A third participant expresses skepticism about overinflation, asking if their mileage figures align with general automotive experience, assuming their tires are at the correct pressure.
  • A fourth participant shares their experience of a 2 mpg improvement after increasing tire pressure by 2 psi, suggesting a similar trend to the first participant's findings.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the implications of increased tire pressure, as there are varying opinions on the benefits versus the risks associated with tire wear and traction.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about optimal tire pressure and its effects on mileage are not explicitly stated, and the discussion does not resolve the potential trade-offs between fuel efficiency and safety.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in automotive maintenance, fuel efficiency, and tire management may find this discussion relevant.

Loren Booda
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I had my car tires inflated by 10-20%, and my mileage (mostly city) went from 22.5 to 25 mpg. Does this sound feasible?
 
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Yes. The downside is increased asymmetric tire wear, with the middle wearing out faster than if the tire were correctly inflated. But with gas prices where they are, it still may be an economic win. Traction is less though, so there is an increased chance of crashing in some situations.
 
Very interesting.

I don't think that my tires are so overinflated, though. Assuming the tires are now at the correct pressure, do my figures above agree with automotive experience?
 
I increased my tire pressure by 2psi and saw about a 2mpg improvement in gas mileage. Sounds similar to what you are seeing.
 

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