With fuel prices remaining high across the UK, West Yorkshire drivers are looking for every opportunity to reduce running costs. One of the simplest and most overlooked fuel-saving measures is maintaining correct tyre pressure. The impact is more significant than most people realise.
Research shows that for every 10% decrease in tyre pressure, rolling resistance increases by approximately 2-3%, directly increasing fuel consumption by a similar amount. A typical car with all four tyres 20% underinflated uses roughly 4-6% more fuel than the same car with correctly inflated tyres. At current petrol prices, this can cost a Huddersfield driver with average mileage an extra £100-£150 per year.
Overinflation also reduces fuel efficiency slightly and causes faster tyre wear in the centre of the tread, as well as reducing ride comfort and grip. Correct pressure — as specified by the vehicle manufacturer — is the optimum.
The correct tyre pressure is usually found in three places: your vehicle handbook, a sticker inside the driver's door frame, and sometimes on the fuel cap. Note that many vehicles specify different pressures for front and rear tyres, and higher pressures when carrying full loads.
Check your pressures when the tyres are cold — either before driving or after the car has been stationary for at least three hours. Driving heats the air inside the tyre, causing pressure to increase by 3-5 PSI, which would give you a falsely high reading.
Invest in a quality digital tyre pressure gauge (available for under £15) and check your pressures monthly. It is the cheapest, fastest vehicle maintenance task there is — taking under two minutes and potentially saving you hundreds of pounds per year.