Improved Gas Mileage with Increased Tire Pressure?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Loren Booda
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SUMMARY

Increasing tire pressure by 10-20% can lead to improved gas mileage, as evidenced by a reported increase from 22.5 to 25 mpg in city driving conditions. While this practice can enhance fuel efficiency, it also results in asymmetric tire wear, particularly causing the center of the tire to wear out faster. Additionally, higher tire pressure can reduce traction, increasing the risk of accidents. Overall, the economic benefits of improved mileage may outweigh the potential downsides of tire wear and traction loss.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of tire pressure specifications and measurements (psi)
  • Knowledge of fuel efficiency metrics (mpg)
  • Familiarity with the impact of tire wear on vehicle performance
  • Awareness of the relationship between tire pressure and traction
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the optimal tire pressure for different vehicle types and conditions
  • Explore the effects of tire pressure on fuel efficiency using automotive calculators
  • Learn about tire maintenance practices to minimize asymmetric wear
  • Investigate safety measures to counteract reduced traction from overinflated tires
USEFUL FOR

Car owners, automotive enthusiasts, and anyone interested in optimizing fuel efficiency and understanding tire maintenance practices.

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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