Best Tyre Pressure for Fuel Economy & Efficiency
With fuel prices remaining high, every mile per gallon counts. Discover how simple tyre pressure adjustments can save you hundreds of pounds a year.
The Cost of Low Pressure
The US Department of Energy states that for every 1 PSI drop in pressure across all four tyres, your fuel efficiency drops by 0.2%. If your tyres are down by 10 PSI (very common), you are wasting 2% of your fuel. Over a year, that's a full tank of petrol wasted for nothing.
How Pressure Affects MPG
Rolling Resistance Explained
Think of riding a bicycle with flat tyres - it's hard work, right? The same applies to your car. Under-inflated tyres have a larger "footprint" on the road, creating more friction (rolling resistance). Your engine has to burn more fuel to overcome this drag.
What is "Eco" Pressure?
Many modern cars list two pressures on the door sticker: "Normal" (for comfort) and "Eco" (for efficiency). The Eco setting is usually 3-5 PSI higher. This makes the ride slightly firmer but reduces rolling resistance to the absolute minimum, maximizing your MPG.
Don't Overdo It
While higher pressure reduces drag, never exceed the maximum pressure listed on the tyre sidewall. Over-inflating causes the center of the tyre to bulge and wear out prematurely, and it reduces grip, which is dangerous. Stick to the "Eco" recommendation if available, or just the standard recommended pressure.
Top Tips for Maximum Efficiency
- Check pressure monthly (tyres lose ~1 PSI per month naturally).
- Check when tyres are cold (driven less than 2 miles).
- Use the "Eco" or "Full Load" pressure setting for long motorway trips.
- Ensure valve caps are screwed on tight to prevent slow leaks.
Find Your Car's Eco Pressure
Check our database to see if your car has a specific "Eco" or "High Speed" pressure recommendation.
Find Your Car