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maelje

Rookie Author
Kansas City

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Message Posted: Mar 17, 2011 3:06:49 PM

I drive a Mercury Montego Premier, 2006. With this car, I really notice that if tires are not inflated properly, my mileage suffers. But in general, I think people are way too lax in paying attention to this. I have seen my mileage drop as much as 5 to 6 mpg from having a low tire. Anyone else see anything that dramatic?
REPLIES (newest first)
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BigHorne1
Champion Author Missouri

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Message Posted: Jun 19, 2013 9:32:18 AM

put nitrogen in them, you will get better gas mileage and take off is a bit better.
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forresj
Champion Author Wilmington

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Message Posted: Jun 19, 2013 8:34:40 AM

I inflate my tires a couple of pounds higher than recommended to reduce rolling resistance.
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FrankLee1
Veteran Author Minnesota

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Message Posted: Jun 19, 2013 2:22:01 AM

I run 40 psi min, 52 psi max on my cars. They roll much better that way.
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Houckster
Champion Author Atlanta

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Message Posted: Jun 14, 2013 9:32:52 AM

DOMIKNOWS writes: I drive a late-model Toyota Camry (2000) and the front left tire usually goes flat first before the rest, especially in the winter. One time, I got a reading that I had about 16 PSI.
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Why don't you just get the tire checked? It probably needs to be remounted.
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dassfg
Sophomore Author Fort Worth

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Message Posted: Jun 13, 2013 11:21:31 AM

keep at least the mgs's recommendation in them -- I usually round up a lb or so
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domiknows
Rookie Author Grand Rapids

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Message Posted: Jun 9, 2013 7:49:59 PM

I drive a late-model Toyota Camry (2000) and the front left tire usually goes flat first before the rest, especially in the winter. One time, I got a reading that I had about 16 PSI.
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kennyman
Veteran Author Alberta

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Message Posted: Jun 9, 2013 7:00:45 PM

I check tire pressures regurarly at home in my garage when tires are cool
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GLM4205
Champion Author Toledo

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Message Posted: Jun 9, 2013 2:38:41 PM

Yea
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forestghost07
All-Star Author Miami

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Message Posted: Jun 7, 2013 2:39:47 PM

I notice degraded handling more than lost MPG from underinflation. Especially the little sports car; steering (not power assisted) gets heavy.
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blckwolf
Veteran Author North Carolina

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Message Posted: Jun 5, 2013 10:58:02 PM

I have noticed slight differences in mileage with under inflated tires, esp. on my bike. Handling also suffers when your tires are way under inflated (more than 10 PSI below the recommended) unless you are 4-wheeling
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divebomber
Champion Author Nebraska

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Message Posted: Jun 5, 2013 10:34:21 PM

MAELJE, RIGHT YOU ARE!
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WES03
Champion Author Maryland

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Message Posted: Jun 5, 2013 7:13:39 PM

Air up for better MPG.
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streetirsx
Veteran Author North Dakota

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Message Posted: Jun 5, 2013 6:14:35 PM

more psi = better gas milage BUT uneven tire wear and decreased traction on wet roads. it's a balancing act. My 2013 Fusion recommends 33 but I keep em at 46 psi cold and just recently got 55.21 mpg on a full tank real world
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Houckster
Champion Author Atlanta

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Message Posted: Jun 5, 2013 1:33:39 PM

One poster writes: I keep the Michelin's at 38 front 40 rear cold...
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I put more pressure in the front tires than I do the rear because more of the weight is on the front wheels. To get the best gas mileage and the beat tire wear, it's important to reduce the amount of tire flex. The tire pressure used should be a function of the the amount of weight the tire bears.
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33gort33
Sophomore Author Indiana

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Message Posted: Jun 5, 2013 8:17:33 AM

on my 2006 Subaru OBXT turbo 5AT

I keep the Michelin's at 38 front 40 rear cold...

That gets me the best wear and mileage
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jack4141
Champion Author Alabama

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Message Posted: Jun 5, 2013 7:54:35 AM

Check mind week to 10 days.
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cheapmonkee
Champion Author Portland

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Message Posted: Jun 5, 2013 3:05:03 AM

Yes, I do a walk-around before I take off, most every time. I keep my tires around 40 psi, well below the max tire rating but about 8 psi above manufacturer specs.
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diesel8888
Champion Author Salt Lake City

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Message Posted: Jun 5, 2013 12:44:26 AM

Yes,that's why I check my tires every two weeks.
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Wanda127
Champion Author Florida

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Message Posted: Jun 4, 2013 10:23:02 PM

Yes, have to keep the air pressure up for sure.
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craigqc
Sophomore Author New Jersey

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Message Posted: Jun 4, 2013 8:14:51 PM

yea
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syang2840
Veteran Author Twin Cities

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Message Posted: Jun 4, 2013 7:32:15 PM

Yeah...People Never check their Tire and THINK about it, It's the ONLY part of the CAR that actually touches the ground...The MPG is worth the weekly tire check,But Daily tire checks CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE!!! I visually check my tires everyday and gauge test them ounce a week...Don't forget to ALSO check the SPEAR TIRE!!!!
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TSR6
Rookie Author Rockford

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Message Posted: Jun 4, 2013 3:13:51 PM

Only when I rotate my tires ( I do all my own maintenance.)
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bigkcidnick
Rookie Author Miami

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Message Posted: Jun 4, 2013 1:30:35 PM

AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK
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renegaudet
Sophomore Author Houston

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Message Posted: Jun 4, 2013 12:28:31 PM

Check it once a week.
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gvan
Champion Author Chicago

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Message Posted: Jun 4, 2013 8:49:43 AM

"Some wheel and tire combinations leak more than others. I seem to only see my do so during large temp changes."

I see the same thing. One of my cars is quite consistent with temperature changes and the other car may swing 5-6 psi.
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craigqc
Sophomore Author New Jersey

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Message Posted: Jun 3, 2013 11:22:07 PM

monthly
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jam2siu
Rookie Author Illinois

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Message Posted: May 31, 2013 6:44:37 PM

always keep tires inflated properly
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mybigtruck
Veteran Author San Jose

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Message Posted: May 29, 2013 7:09:23 PM

Try riding a bike with lower tire pressure... the same experience applies for cars!!
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smugutu1234
Veteran Author Tallahassee

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Message Posted: Apr 25, 2013 7:37:21 AM

Most people don't check their tire pressure even when they have a device telling them to do so.
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51stovi
Sophomore Author Nashville

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Message Posted: Apr 16, 2013 2:00:59 PM

I see a drop when the pressure goes down. Thanks for the forum post, it reminded me that I needed to check them again since we have been having large temp. swings.
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Fastwalker1TX
Rookie Author Texas

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Message Posted: Apr 16, 2013 11:30:43 AM

I check often. I over inflate slightly and see a good 3mpg increase at highway speeds. Car says run 28psi, I run 36psi. I always see cars with a really low tire. people do not check pressures often enough which costs $$$ in poor mpg and tire wear. Not to mention the safety factors.
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giwan
All-Star Author Michigan

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Message Posted: Apr 16, 2013 10:34:00 AM

Some wheel and tire combinations leak more than others. I seem to only see my do so during large temp changes.
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the1roadhog
Champion Author Atlanta

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Message Posted: Apr 16, 2013 7:54:37 AM

Ck my unit often
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GBMAX
Champion Author Phoenix

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Message Posted: Apr 15, 2013 10:17:40 PM

Yes
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carinthuist
Champion Author San Francisco

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Message Posted: Apr 15, 2013 8:50:15 PM

yes
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IAMCANADIAN73
Champion Author Ontario

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Message Posted: Apr 15, 2013 6:15:43 AM

Yep
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IAMCANADIAN73
Champion Author Ontario

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Message Posted: Apr 15, 2013 6:15:27 AM

Yes
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dekline
Sophomore Author Atlanta

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Message Posted: Apr 14, 2013 11:38:16 PM

Yes this is true. If you keep your tires inflated, you will get better mpg.
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priver
All-Star Author Alberta

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Message Posted: Apr 14, 2013 9:39:12 PM

Yes, amazing how many People drive with low tires? Then they're surprised when it blows out. All out blame a higher power, I know a guy who blew 3 out of 4tires off his sailboat trailer on a 3hr trip (1/2 way home) He gave me a dum look when i asked if he checked the pressure b4 he left?? duh!

[Edited by: priver at 4/14/2013 9:40:09 PM EST]
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BartandLisa
Champion Author Newfoundland

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Message Posted: Apr 14, 2013 11:25:31 AM

I check the air pressure regularly, even though mine do not lose any significant amount over time. Occasionally have to top up a pound or 2. I have not noticed a difference in fuel mileage since they are never left to go down enough to make a difference.
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EvergreenON
Champion Author Ontario

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Message Posted: Apr 6, 2013 6:27:10 AM

Always nitrogen
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plans72
All-Star Author Ocala

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Message Posted: Apr 5, 2013 9:31:01 PM

nitrogen
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ldheinz
Champion Author Chicago

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Message Posted: Apr 4, 2013 11:26:05 AM

Actually, I was making a pun about tire "inflation", but tires DO cost more money now.
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giwan
All-Star Author Michigan

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Message Posted: Apr 4, 2013 10:56:29 AM

Tires cost more partly because of the OIL that is needed to make them.
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Titanic1985
Champion Author South Carolina

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Message Posted: Apr 4, 2013 10:12:58 AM

Good Morning,

I agree with you ldheinz when you say, "...tires cost a lot more than the used to...". Last year tires increased in price nearly 30%. I check mine twice a month, faithfully rotate them and maintain the vehicle manufacturer's inflation recommendation. In general, not always, this has lead to safe travel, long life and excellent handling. You are right, tires are expensive to replace, but they are much better in quality than the old bias ply tires.

Take care :-). MGY

[Edited by: Titanic1985 at 4/4/2013 10:14:29 AM EST]
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ldheinz
Champion Author Chicago

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Message Posted: Mar 31, 2013 10:31:49 AM

Yes, tires cost a lot more than they used to. ;-)
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rkpatt
Rookie Author Atlanta

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Message Posted: Mar 31, 2013 5:56:44 AM

I over inflate my car's tires by 10%- (40 psi for me) and check pressure monthly.
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aalix
Champion Author Orange County

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Message Posted: Mar 30, 2013 12:55:10 PM

I check my tire inflation regularly to avoid safety problems.
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palantir24
Veteran Author Vermont

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Message Posted: Mar 30, 2013 12:32:54 PM

I haven't trended mileage vs tire pressure... But I make sure my tires are at or slightly over inflated
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chipote
Champion Author Washington

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Message Posted: Mar 30, 2013 11:40:33 AM

I overinflate by 4 psi getting a 1 mpg improvement
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