Tyre Inflation, Barack Obama & Saving Money – What’s the Connection ?

You’d be hard pressed to find the last time the notion of tyre pressures was raised in an election campaign, but in the 2008 US presidential election, Senator (now President) Barack Obama thrust the subject into the spotlight when he raised it in August 2008.

He claimed that if US citizens kept their tyres properly inflated, as a whole they would save enough oil to avoid expanding offshore drilling.

Most people thought this idea was ludicrous, but it turns out that President Obama was right. Time Magazine researched the issue and determined that a well-serviced vehicle, with tyres inflated to the correct pressure, can actually improve fuel economy by up to 3 per cent.  An improvement in fuel economy will negate the need for an increase in oil production and an expansion in offshore drilling.

To explain the theory a little further, the correct tyre pressure gives a balance between ride comfort, rolling resistance, traction and keeping the tyre firmly mounted on the rim. The moment tyre pressures drops, rolling resistance increases, which increases fuel consumption.

This issue is not indigenous to the US as it transcends all international borders – can you imagine how much oil would be saved if everyone made sure their tyres were inflated correctly? Under-inflated tyres will eventually overheat during driving, which rapidly reduces the life of a tyre, increases fuel consumption and contributes to environmental waste.  It also significantly reduces traction and steering control, thus compromising safety.

Make sure you know the pressure specific to your tyres, as over-inflation is almost as bad as under-inflation and can result in your tyres wearing unevenly.  The correct air pressure for your car is located in either the car’s manual or on the tyre placard found on the driver side door, glove box or fuel door. It’s a good idea to familiarise with the placard details and note that tyre pressures should be adjusted for high speed and extra load.

JAXQuickfit recommends that you check your tyre pressures at least once a month, when cold, before a long drive and when the vehicle is heavily laden.  Tyre pressure increases as tyres heat up, which can change the reading and waste fuel. It sounds almost too good to be true, doesn’t it?  The simple act of correctly inflating your tyres can actually save you money and contribute to protecting our environment.