Nearly half of U.S. drivers are unknowingly wasting fuel and money by not keeping up on proper tire inflation, according to a new report from Firestone Complete Auto Care. The company estimates that American drivers overspend about $18.6 billion on fuel each year due to this issue.
Firestone said drivers could afford an extra 500-mile road trip annually if they maintained proper tire inflation.
Firestone Proper Tire Inflation Report Analyzes 9.7 Million Vehicles
Firestone’s findings stem from a survey of data collected from 9.7 million vehicles serviced at over 1,800 Firestone locations between June 2024 and March. The report, titled “How to Get Money from Thin Air: The Hidden Benefits of Proper Tire Inflation,” reveals:
- 42% of cars serviced had underinflated tires;
- Average tire pressure was 13 PSI below recommended levels;
- Underinflated tires appeared most frequently in D.C. (72%), Hawaii (61%), and California (57%);
- Drivers in New Hampshire (18%) and Rhode Island (22%) had the lowest rates of underinflation.
Vehicle categories with the highest underinflation rates included sports cars and minivans.
Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to use more gas. This also causes faster tire wear and higher carbon emissions. Firestone estimates that fixing underinflation could eliminate the need for 4.5 billion extra gallons of gasoline annually. That would reduce vehicle-related CO₂ emissions by 40.5 million metric tons, the equivalent of recycling over 2 million garbage trucks’ worth of waste.
Check Tire Pressure Monthly to Save Money
“Paying attention to your tires saves money, helps the planet, and keeps you safer on the road,” said Melissa Vaglio, vice president of retail operations, Bridgestone Retail Operations. “Proper tire inflation is one of the simplest ways to keep more money in your wallet. We encourage drivers to lean on us for a free inflation check and air top-off, early and often.”
Firestone recommends checking proper tire inflation at least once a month and before long trips or heavy loads. Drivers should use a tire pressure gauge and refer to the owner’s manual or the placard on the driver-side door panel for recommended PSI.
Drivers can visit any Firestone Complete Auto Care location for a free tire pressure check and air inflation.
