Tyre Pressure: The Hidden Culprit Ruining Your MPG

Rolling Resistance and Your Wallet

Most drivers obsess over finding the cheapest petrol station, but they completely ignore the four patches of rubber connecting their car to the road. Tyre pressure is one of the single most important factors in fuel efficiency.

The Science of Under-Inflation

When a tyre is under-inflated, it bulges outwards at the bottom. This increases the amount of rubber touching the tarmac, which creates higher "rolling resistance." Imagine riding a bicycle with flat tyres-it requires significantly more effort to pedal. Your car's engine experiences the exact same struggle.

According to the RAC, driving with tyres under-inflated by just 15 PSI can increase your fuel consumption by up to 6%. If you spend £1,500 a year on fuel, flat tyres are costing you an extra £90 for absolutely no reason.

Safety and Wear

Beyond fuel costs, under-inflated tyres heat up faster, massively increasing the risk of a high-speed blowout. They also wear out unevenly on the outer edges, forcing you to replace them months earlier than necessary.

The Fix is Free

Check your tyre pressure once a month when the tyres are cold. You can find the correct pressure rating inside the driver's door jamb or in the owner's manual. Almost all modern petrol stations offer air pumps. While you are using FindPetrol to track down the cheapest fuel in town, take an extra 2 minutes at the forecourt to top up your tyres. It is the easiest money you will ever save.