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maelje Rookie Author Kansas City Posts:1 Points:875 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Mar 17, 2011 2:06:49 PM Ignore maelje Report Abuse 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?

maelje

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Kansas City

Posts:1
Points:875
Joined:Mar 2011

Message Posted: Mar 17, 2011 2:06:49 PM

Ignore maelje Report Abuse

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?

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smugutu1234 Sophomore Author Tallahassee Posts:231 Points:74,465 Joined:Feb 2013	Message Posted: Apr 25, 2013 6:37:21 AM Ignore smugutu1234 Report Abuse Most people don't check their tire pressure even when they have a device telling them to do so.
51stovi Sophomore Author Nashville Posts:143 Points:87,390 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Apr 16, 2013 1:00:59 PM Ignore 51stovi Report Abuse 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.
Fastwalker1TX Rookie Author Texas Posts:16 Points:16,045 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Apr 16, 2013 10:30:43 AM Ignore Fastwalker1TX Report Abuse 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.
giwan All-Star Author Michigan Posts:500 Points:90,605 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Apr 16, 2013 9:34:00 AM Ignore giwan Report Abuse Some wheel and tire combinations leak more than others. I seem to only see my do so during large temp changes.
the1roadhog Champion Author Atlanta Posts:9,913 Points:2,058,530 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Apr 16, 2013 6:54:37 AM Ignore the1roadhog Report Abuse Ck my unit often
GBMAX Champion Author Phoenix Posts:4,670 Points:1,904,080 Joined:Feb 2005	Message Posted: Apr 15, 2013 9:17:40 PM Ignore GBMAX Report Abuse Yes
carinthuist Champion Author San Francisco Posts:2,262 Points:333,075 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Apr 15, 2013 7:50:15 PM Ignore carinthuist Report Abuse yes
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,405 Points:1,124,750 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Apr 15, 2013 5:15:43 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Yep
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,405 Points:1,124,750 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Apr 15, 2013 5:15:27 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Yes
dekline Sophomore Author Atlanta Posts:109 Points:38,165 Joined:Apr 2013	Message Posted: Apr 14, 2013 10:38:16 PM Ignore dekline Report Abuse Yes this is true. If you keep your tires inflated, you will get better mpg.
priver Veteran Author Alberta Posts:425 Points:36,925 Joined:Apr 2013	Message Posted: Apr 14, 2013 8:39:12 PM Ignore priver Report Abuse 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]
BartandLisa Champion Author Newfoundland Posts:2,160 Points:422,325 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Apr 14, 2013 10:25:31 AM Ignore BartandLisa Report Abuse 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.
EvergreenON All-Star Author Ontario Posts:952 Points:486,370 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Apr 6, 2013 5:27:10 AM Ignore EvergreenON Report Abuse Always nitrogen
plans72 All-Star Author Ocala Posts:670 Points:677,935 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Apr 5, 2013 8:31:01 PM Ignore plans72 Report Abuse nitrogen
ldheinz Champion Author Chicago Posts:19,055 Points:2,361,795 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Apr 4, 2013 10:26:05 AM Ignore ldheinz Report Abuse Actually, I was making a pun about tire "inflation", but tires DO cost more money now.
giwan All-Star Author Michigan Posts:500 Points:90,605 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Apr 4, 2013 9:56:29 AM Ignore giwan Report Abuse Tires cost more partly because of the OIL that is needed to make them.
Titanic1985 Champion Author South Carolina Posts:6,293 Points:361,095 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Apr 4, 2013 9:12:58 AM Ignore Titanic1985 Report Abuse 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]
ldheinz Champion Author Chicago Posts:19,055 Points:2,361,795 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Mar 31, 2013 9:31:49 AM Ignore ldheinz Report Abuse Yes, tires cost a lot more than they used to. ;-)
rkpatt Rookie Author Atlanta Posts:30 Points:203,750 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: Mar 31, 2013 4:56:44 AM Ignore rkpatt Report Abuse I over inflate my car's tires by 10%- (40 psi for me) and check pressure monthly.
aalix Champion Author Orange County Posts:23,198 Points:4,125,295 Joined:Aug 2001	Message Posted: Mar 30, 2013 11:55:10 AM Ignore aalix Report Abuse I check my tire inflation regularly to avoid safety problems.
palantir24 Veteran Author Vermont Posts:285 Points:113,850 Joined:Oct 2010	Message Posted: Mar 30, 2013 11:32:54 AM Ignore palantir24 Report Abuse I haven't trended mileage vs tire pressure... But I make sure my tires are at or slightly over inflated
chipote Champion Author Washington Posts:1,274 Points:389,555 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Mar 30, 2013 10:40:33 AM Ignore chipote Report Abuse I overinflate by 4 psi getting a 1 mpg improvement
giwan All-Star Author Michigan Posts:500 Points:90,605 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Mar 30, 2013 9:04:43 AM Ignore giwan Report Abuse Yes but it matters the type of tire as well.
hyeglenn Champion Author Fresno Posts:1,085 Points:602,605 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Mar 30, 2013 8:24:30 AM Ignore hyeglenn Report Abuse Visual check.
Mr1lung All-Star Author Phoenix Posts:829 Points:165,950 Joined:Nov 2012	Message Posted: Mar 25, 2013 2:02:38 AM Ignore Mr1lung Report Abuse Checked monthly
lumpyr Veteran Author Texas Posts:325 Points:195,860 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Mar 24, 2013 11:43:03 PM Ignore lumpyr Report Abuse 40 psi checked regularly...particularly before a highway trip. I try to drive about 60 mph which is the biggest factor in obtaining good fuel economy. Last trip yielded 35 + mpg in an '02 Camry with standard transmission.
fmttu Sophomore Author Texas Posts:198 Points:696,440 Joined:May 2003	Message Posted: Mar 24, 2013 8:34:13 PM Ignore fmttu Report Abuse My mpg display shows a 2-3 mpg difference by raising the pressure from 30 to 34 psi.
chuckl95453 Veteran Author California Posts:332 Points:48,875 Joined:Mar 2013	Message Posted: Mar 24, 2013 12:24:37 PM Ignore chuckl95453 Report Abuse I try to check it often
Jalyn2013 Rookie Author Kansas Posts:8 Points:1,050 Joined:Mar 2013	Message Posted: Mar 24, 2013 11:23:46 AM Ignore Jalyn2013 Report Abuse Check the tires weekley
ldheinz Champion Author Chicago Posts:19,055 Points:2,361,795 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Mar 24, 2013 10:18:56 AM Ignore ldheinz Report Abuse Last Saturday I went to the tire shop to have my nitrogen topped off. It was down a little after 6 months, but not enough to matter.
CaptainAnhyzer All-Star Author Albany Posts:854 Points:195,205 Joined:Aug 2012	Message Posted: Mar 24, 2013 7:55:49 AM Ignore CaptainAnhyzer Report Abuse with the weather warming up, it's time to check again.
Mr1lung All-Star Author Phoenix Posts:829 Points:165,950 Joined:Nov 2012	Message Posted: Mar 20, 2013 10:38:04 PM Ignore Mr1lung Report Abuse chk monthly
73amx Champion Author Allentown Posts:1,188 Points:462,690 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Mar 20, 2013 1:40:46 PM Ignore 73amx Report Abuse checked once a month, more if it's below 32 degrees, and keep pressure at 32 to 34 lbs.
area_51 Sophomore Author Toronto Posts:123 Points:20,460 Joined:Feb 2013	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 6:26:26 PM Ignore area_51 Report Abuse checked weekly
streetirsx Veteran Author North Dakota Posts:357 Points:126,625 Joined:Nov 2012	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 5:27:23 PM Ignore streetirsx Report Abuse checked about once a month or when temperature drops significantly.
tdhlmn Rookie Author Denver Posts:50 Points:160,240 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 12:14:28 PM Ignore tdhlmn Report Abuse Haven't noticed any difference, though I visually check my truck tires all the time. My wife's car tells her to tell me when it's low, even when a few pounds low.
burt12013 Rookie Author San Diego Posts:49 Points:25,335 Joined:Mar 2013	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 7:20:03 AM Ignore burt12013 Report Abuse yes weekly
hyeglenn Champion Author Fresno Posts:1,085 Points:602,605 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 7:05:38 AM Ignore hyeglenn Report Abuse I do visual checks all the time.
metalhat73 Veteran Author Wilmington Posts:386 Points:243,555 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Mar 7, 2013 9:30:40 AM Ignore metalhat73 Report Abuse TPMS makes sure my tires are properly inflated. Couldn't tell you if my mileage suffers from under inflated tires.
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,100 Points:36,605 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Mar 7, 2013 8:39:02 AM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse I often see other vehicles with one low inflated tire,how much # I don't know but one can tell by comparison to the rest. It's hard to tell another motorist when in traffic but I have done so,some are unaware and grateful and some don't think you have that right by the return looks and with a no thanks ? ?....LOOK! I wave and drive on.
aalix Champion Author Orange County Posts:23,198 Points:4,125,295 Joined:Aug 2001	Message Posted: Mar 7, 2013 2:34:22 AM Ignore aalix Report Abuse check monthly.
area_51 Sophomore Author Toronto Posts:123 Points:20,460 Joined:Feb 2013	Message Posted: Mar 6, 2013 5:20:58 PM Ignore area_51 Report Abuse check monthly, plus the car rolls along nicely with the correct tire presure.
TULL Champion Author Fresno Posts:1,624 Points:276,205 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Mar 6, 2013 2:40:50 PM Ignore TULL Report Abuse Yes, check them weekly
giwan All-Star Author Michigan Posts:500 Points:90,605 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 11:47:41 AM Ignore giwan Report Abuse Not sure it is that drastic but there is a drop no question
ldheinz Champion Author Chicago Posts:19,055 Points:2,361,795 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 10:06:03 AM Ignore ldheinz Report Abuse I used to make it part of filling up the tank with gas. While waiting for the gas pump, I'd check my tire pressure, oil level, etc. If I didn't get to everything, I'd do it next time.
morepwr All-Star Author Ventura Posts:892 Points:152,435 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 9:36:52 AM Ignore morepwr Report Abuse That is something that makes a difference but is hard to remember to check.
Mr1lung All-Star Author Phoenix Posts:829 Points:165,950 Joined:Nov 2012	Message Posted: Feb 21, 2013 11:22:29 AM Ignore Mr1lung Report Abuse check monthly
chipote Champion Author Washington Posts:1,274 Points:389,555 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Feb 21, 2013 2:57:41 AM Ignore chipote Report Abuse I check weekly
dgsteven All-Star Author Los Angeles Posts:812 Points:209,825 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Feb 21, 2013 2:15:10 AM Ignore dgsteven Report Abuse check it before driving
HotRod10 Champion Author Wyoming Posts:2,291 Points:40,590 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Feb 14, 2013 3:29:25 PM Ignore HotRod10 Report Abuse "the way you load the car may make even the maximum tire pressure unsafe." That's true; that's why you'll see a max load shown along with the max pressure. "...overheated the tires from excessive weight even at normal pressure." Actually, it was most likely the excessive flexing of the tire from the extra weight that caused it to overheat, just the same as running it with low pressure under normal load.