Keeping your tires properly inflated is one of the easiest—and most overlooked—ways to save money at the pump. While drivers often focus on gas prices and cashback apps, few realize that poor tire pressure can quietly drain their fuel efficiency, costing them extra miles and dollars over time.

Here’s why tire pressure matters more than you think, and how you can use this knowledge to get better mileage and reduce overall fuel costs.

The Link Between Tire Pressure and Fuel Efficiency

Underinflated tires create greater rolling resistance, which forces your engine to work harder. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Fuel Economy Tips, underinflated tires can lower gas mileage by around 0.2% for every 1 psi drop across all four tires. That means if you’re driving with tires 10 psi below their recommended level, your fuel economy could drop by 2% or more.

In real-world terms, for a car that averages 30 MPG, that could mean losing over 15 miles of range per tank.

How Tire Pressure Affects Your Wallet

Fuel isn’t the only area impacted by low tire pressure. Other long-term costs include:

• Increased tire wear – Underinflated tires wear out faster and unevenly, leading to premature replacement.
  
• Greater risk of blowouts – Low tire pressure weakens tire walls and increases heat, especially on hot roads.
  
• Poor handling and braking – Compromised safety and reduced control in wet or high-speed conditions.
  

Keeping tires at the right pressure extends their life, improves safety, and lowers both fuel and maintenance expenses.

How to Check and Maintain Proper Tire Pressure

1. Find your recommended PSI
   Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or the sticker on the driver-side door jamb. Common passenger vehicle recommendations range from 30 to 35 psi.
   
2. Use a reliable tire pressure gauge
   Digital or dial-style gauges offer better accuracy than the pencil-style ones found at some stations.
   
3. Check pressure at least once a month
   Tires naturally lose 1–2 psi per month, and temperature changes can speed that up. Cold weather, in particular, causes pressure to drop significantly.
   
4. Inspect when tires are cold
   Check pressure before driving or after the car has been parked for at least three hours. Heat from driving raises tire pressure temporarily and can lead to inaccurate readings.
   
5. Top up at gas stations or use a portable inflator
   Most fuel stations have free or low-cost air pumps. Alternatively, keep a portable tire inflator in your trunk for added convenience.
   

Learn more from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Tire Safety guide.

Bonus Tip: Combine Maintenance with Smarter Payment Methods

While you’re maintaining your vehicle, don’t forget to be strategic about how you pay for fuel. Even without changing where you fill up, you can earn cashback with a Chevron virtual card or get rewards with a Shell virtual card by purchasing them through Fluz. It’s an easy way to stack everyday maintenance with smart spending.

To start earning instant cashback on gas, visit Fluz.

Final Thoughts

Tire pressure may seem like a small detail, but it plays a major role in your car’s performance, safety, and operating cost. By checking your tires monthly and keeping them properly inflated, you’ll save money not just on gas—but on tires, repairs, and long-term maintenance.

It’s one of the simplest habits a driver can adopt—and one that pays off at every mile.