Proper tire pressure plays an integral role in fuel economy that many drivers don’t realize. When tires are underinflated, they create more resistance as they move along the road. That extra resistance forces the engine to work harder, which uses more fuel and reduces mpg.
Even a small drop in tire pressure can affect efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, underinflated tires can reduce fuel economy by roughly 0.2% for every one psi drop in the average pressure of all four tires. Over time, that lost efficiency can add up at the pump.

Why Does Lower Tire Pressure Hurt MPG?

Underinflated tires are slightly flattened when they are in contact with the road, increasing what is known as rolling resistance. The greater the resistance, the more energy the vehicle needs to maintain speed. The extra workload means the engine burns more fuel to keep the vehicle moving.

Low tire pressure can also create additional problems beyond fuel economy, including :

• Uneven or premature tread wear
• Reducing handling performance
• A higher risk of the tire overheating

The bottom line

Maintaining proper tire pressure doesn’t just help your tires last longer; it also helps them perform better. It can also improve your fuel economy and overall vehicle performance. Quick monthly pressure checks take only a few minutes and can help drivers save money on fuel while keeping their vehicle operating safely and efficiently.

Fuel spending is one of the most significant ongoing costs for today’s vehicle owners. Prices can fluctuate daily and vary widely from state to state, making it hard to know whether you’re getting the best deal. To help, we’ve assembled expert-backed articles and tips for boosting your fuel efficiency, gathered useful resources for tracking the best fuel prices locally and nationally, and included a handy search tool for fuel-economy estimates from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. Let’s get rolling.

Jump to today’s gas prices.

Smart Fuel Savings Strategies

Driving Habits That Save Fuel

Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking. Smooth, gradual speed changes can improve fuel economy by up to 40% in stop-and-go traffic.

Use cruise control on highways to maintain consistent speed. Each 5 mph over 50 mph reduces fuel economy like paying an extra $0.30 per gallon.

Turn off your engine if you’ll be stopped for more than 60 seconds. Idling wastes fuel and costs you money without moving an inch.

Remove unnecessary items from your vehicle. Every extra 100 pounds can reduce fuel economy by up to 2% depending on vehicle size.

Keep Your Vehicle in Top Shape

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  Check tire pressure monthly – Properly inflated tires can improve gas mileage by up to 3%
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  Replace air filters regularly – A clean air filter can improve acceleration and protect your engine
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  Use recommended motor oil – The right grade reduces friction and can improve fuel economy by 1-2%
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  Get regular tune-ups – A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and saves fuel
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  Fix oxygen sensor issues – A faulty sensor can reduce mileage by up to 40%

Find the Best Gas Prices

Download gas price tracking apps to compare local stations in real-time. Many offer user-reported prices updated within the hour.

Gas prices typically rise on Thursdays and peak on weekends. Monday through Wednesday often offers the lowest prices of the week.

Sign up for station rewards programs and use affiliated credit cards. Many offer 5-10 cents per gallon in savings or cashback.

Membership warehouse stores often sell gas at lower prices than traditional stations. The savings can quickly offset membership costs.

Pro Tip: Plan Your Routes

Combine errands into one trip and plan the most efficient route. Multiple short trips from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a single trip covering the same distance. Apps with real-time traffic can help you avoid congestion and save fuel.

National Average Gas Prices