Pump Up Your Fuel Efficiency
June 4, 2007
Posted by CindyC in : Green Journal , trackback
I admit I am a bit lazy when it comes to caring for my car. Other than my routine oil changes and standard mileage maintenance, I don’t do much else. However, this week, for the 1st time in years, I (not my husband) actually did simple some car maintenance: checking for proper tire pressure. What inspired me? I am happy to say my Green Journal did.
Last weekend, I came across a fuel efficiency tip: proper air pressure can increase your fuel efficiency by 2 to 3%. According to a rubber industry survey, only 19% of people actually check their tire pressure on a routine basis (and no, I was not one of them). An under-inflated or softer tire experiences greater friction between the rubber and the road, which requires more force to keep the tires rolling, which leads to more fuel consumption and air pollution. You can lose 0.4% of fuel efficiency for every PSI drop in all four tires. For example, if your tires are 10 pounds under the recommended PSI, you are losing 4% in fuel efficiency. With gas at around $3.50 a gallon, loss of 4% equals $0.14/gallon or an extra $2 every time you pull up to the gas pump (assuming 15 gallon fill up)!
Checking for tire pressure is a simple thing to do. You can get a tire pressure gauge for a few dollars (or most gas stations will lend you one). If you buy one, just put it in the glove compartment so it’s always handy. Depending on how much you drive, it is recommended to check your tire pressure every (or every couple of) months. It is best to check the pressure while the tires are cool. The recommended PSI should be posted on the side of the door opening or in your owners’ manual. Pretty much every gas station has an air pump; some are free and some may cost a quarter. Do avoid the temptation of over-inflating your tires. Too much air will affect the stability and handling of your car.
With my tire pressure gauge already in my glove compartment (thanks again to my husband), I checked my tires while at the gas station. My front tires were a bit low so I filled it up at the air pump bring my tally for this week’s action to:
Number of times forgotten: None
Time consumed to implement this action: It took me about 5 minutes: a couple to check the pressure and a few minutes to pump air into the 2 front tires.
Extra Upfront Cost: None since I already had a tire pressure gauge and the air was free.
Amount of resources spared: In total, I was about 4 PSI under the recommended limit, so that should come to a fuel efficiency boost of 1.6% ; basically, I can get an extra quarter gallon of mileage before going to the pump (on my 16 gallon tank). At premium gas price of $3.75/gallon, this translates to savings of $0.06 per gallon or $0.94 per trip to the pump.
Rather than driving around or searching for the cheapest gas station, it is just easier, cheaper and more environmentally friendly to just use less. Such a simple action but with great impact; now that’s what the green journal action is all about.
For other simple tips on improving your fuel efficiency, check out fueleconomy.gov
CindyC
Previous Green Journal Entries
The Wife’s Test on CFLs
Green on the Road
Eating Local and Organic
BYOC: Bring Your Own Cup
BYOB: Bring Your Own Bag
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Comments»
I agree that the tire pressure tip is actually a good one, unlike a lot of the so called “green tips” that probably have never been practiced by a real person! Easy to dream up tips for others, harder to practice one consistently.
Anyway, I have a Prius. For my car, 10 PSI of tire pressure difference leads to at least 3 miles/gallon fuel efficiency delta. When I keep the tire at 40 PSI, I get about 50 per gallon; and at 30 PSI, the milage goes down to 46 to 47. I don’t have a tire pressure gauge. The gas station air pump often has a gauge on it.
Nice write-up! Proper car care and maintenance is really necessary. It is important to check each car parts ( ex: mazda clutch kit) from time to time. This is to know if there is something wrong with our car or it needs a replacement. Aside from keeping our car properly maintained, it also help in terms of fuel efficiency. It also gives us the confidence in driving since we know that our car is in good condition and running well.