Can Proper Tire Maintenance Save You on Fuel Costs?
As summer approaches, many drivers are gearing up for weekend getaways, long road trips, and daily commutes in the heat. But before you hit the highway, it’s smart to ask yourself: Is your car’s tire maintenance in check?
It’s no secret that gas prices can spike in the warmer months as demand rises. What might come as a surprise is how much of a difference your tires can make when it comes to saving at the pump. Proper tire maintenance can significantly impact your fuel efficiency (and your wallet), from tire pressure to alignment.
Let’s take a closer look at tire care for summer, including how checking tire pressure regularly can improve your miles per gallon (MPG) and make this summer’s road trips smoother, safer, and more affordable.
How Tire Maintenance Boosts Fuel Efficiency
Your tires do more than keep you rolling. They directly affect how hard your engine has to work. When tires are underinflated, misaligned, or overly worn, they create more rolling resistance. This means your vehicle needs more fuel to move forward, reducing fuel economy over time.
The U.S. Department of Energy notes that properly inflating your tires can improve gas mileage by up to three percent. That might not sound like much, but it can add up fast throughout a summer full of travel. Plus, well-maintained tires are safer, last longer, and offer a smoother ride.
Tire care is also a big part of summer car maintenance, as hotter pavement and long drives can accelerate wear and tear. That’s why now is the perfect time to inspect your tires, especially if you’re prepping for a warm-weather road trip.
Proper Tire Inflation
Tire pressure has a direct impact on how efficiently your vehicle uses fuel. When tires are underinflated, their surface area in contact with the road increases, which causes more drag and friction. This extra resistance forces your engine to use more fuel just to maintain speed and can shorten tire life.
On the other hand, overinflated tires reduce the tire’s contact patch with the road, leading to uneven wear and reduced traction, which can be particularly dangerous in summer storms.
To optimize your vehicle’s fuel economy:
- Check your tire pressure at least once a month
- Always use the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (found inside your driver’s door or in the vehicle owner’s manual)
- Measure pressure when the tires are cold, before driving, or after sitting for several hours
Pro Tip: Hot summer temperatures can increase tire pressure as the air inside expands, so keep an eye on PSI during those Midwest heat waves!
Tire Alignment
Another important factor in fuel economy is wheel alignment. When your tires aren’t properly aligned, they don’t rotate in sync. This leads to uneven wear and increased rolling resistance, both of which can take a toll on your MPG.
Poor alignment can also make your car pull to one side, create a shaky or bumpy ride, and cause premature tire wear.
Here’s how to know if your tires need alignment:
- Your vehicle pulls left or right when driving straight
- You notice uneven tire wear
- The steering wheel vibrates or feels off-center
- You just hit a large pothole or curb
Routine tire alignment checks are part of smart car maintenance tips, especially if you’re planning long drives or hauling extra gear. A professional alignment from Telle Tire can help restore balance and efficiency to your drive.
Common Questions About Summer Tire Maintenance
Should you reduce tire pressure in the summer?
No, you should not reduce tire pressure just because it’s hot outside. Instead, stick to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended PSI. While heat causes air to expand and increase pressure slightly, releasing air can lead to underinflation, especially when temperatures drop again at night or during cooler spells.
Does switching to summer tires help with gas mileage?
Yes, switching to summer tires can help with gas mileage, particularly if you’re driving in warm, dry conditions. Summer tire rubber is designed for performance and efficiency in hot weather. They offer lower rolling resistance than all-season tires, which means your engine doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your car moving.
Take the Next Step: Visit Telle Tire for Summer Tire Maintenance
If you’re preparing for a road trip or just want to keep your fuel costs in check this season, start with your tires. At Telle Tire, our expert technicians can help you by:
- Inspecting tire pressure and tread depth
- Rotating and balancing your tires
- Performing wheel alignments
- Recommending and installing the right tires that suit your vehicle and driving style
We offer full tire services to keep your vehicle running smoothly, not just during summer, but all year long.
Ready to get started? Find a Telle Tire location near you and schedule your tire maintenance appointment today because a better ride—and better mileage—starts with your tires.