When most people think about saving money at the pump or staying safe on the road, their minds jump to things like driving habits, fuel type, or even the latest car technology. But there’s one often-overlooked factor that has a major impact on both fuel efficiency and safety—your tire pressure.
Tires are the only part of your vehicle that actually touches the road, and the air inside them plays a bigger role than you might realize. Underinflated or overinflated tires don’t just affect how your car feels to drive, they can cost you money in fuel and put your safety at risk. That’s why checking your tire pressure regularly isn’t just good maintenance—it’s essential.
At Burt Brothers Tire & Service, we’ve seen firsthand how something as simple as air pressure can make a huge difference in both performance and peace of mind. Let’s dive into why tire pressure matters, how it affects your wallet and safety, and how you can stay on top of it.
What Is Tire Pressure & Why Is It Important?
Tire pressure is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch), and it refers to how much air is inside your tire. Every vehicle has a recommended tire pressure, usually listed on a sticker inside the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual.
Getting this number right matters because it determines how much of your tire’s tread makes contact with the road. Proper pressure ensures:
- Balanced traction so your vehicle grips the road in different conditions.
- Smooth handling and control, which improves driver confidence.
- Better fuel efficiency, since your engine doesn’t have to work harder than necessary.
Too little or too much air, and you throw off that balance.
How Tire Pressure Affects Fuel Efficiency
One of the biggest—and least obvious—ways tire pressure affects your vehicle is through rolling resistance.
- Underinflated tires create more drag against the road. This means your engine must burn more fuel just to keep you moving. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, properly inflated tires can improve fuel efficiency by up to 3%, which adds up quickly over months of commuting.
- Properly inflated tires roll more smoothly, improving your miles per gallon (MPG). This means fewer fill-ups and real savings at the pump.
For example, if you’re spending $250 a month on gas, keeping your tires properly inflated could save you around $90 a year, ust from checking your air once in a while.
At Burt Brothers, customers often come in for a tire check thinking they need major repairs, when really, they just needed a quick adjustment in tire pressure to restore their fuel efficiency.
Safety Risks of Incorrect Tire Pressure
Fuel economy is great, but safety is where tire pressure truly makes the biggest difference.
- Reduced braking performance: Underinflated tires increase stopping distance, especially on wet or icy roads.
- Poor handling and stability: Overinflated tires can reduce traction, making your car more likely to skid.
- Higher risk of blowouts: Too much or too little air can weaken tire structure, increasing the chance of a sudden tire failure.
- Uneven tire wear: Incorrect pressure causes certain tread areas to wear down faster, shortening the life of your tires.
In the Mountain West, where Burt Brothers serves thousands of drivers, road conditions change fast—from hot summers to snowy winters. Tire pressure that isn’t adjusted properly for the season can quickly become a safety hazard.
Signs Your Tire Pressure May Be Off
Wondering how to tell if your tire pressure isn’t right? Here are a few common signs:
- TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) warning light: Most modern cars have this feature, and it’s your first clue that pressure is off.
- Uneven wear patterns: If your tread looks bald on one side but fine on the other, your tires may be over- or underinflated.
- Bulging sidewalls: This is a serious red flag for underinflation.
- Poor fuel economy or sluggish handling: If your car feels like it’s dragging, low tire pressure could be the culprit.
If you notice any of these, it’s worth stopping by a trusted shop like Burt Brothers for a quick inspection.
How to Check & Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
Luckily, checking your tire pressure is simple—and only takes a few minutes.
- Get a reliable tire pressure gauge (digital or manual).
- Check your recommended PSI on the driver’s door jamb or owner’s manual.
- Measure your tire pressure when the tires are cold (before driving or after sitting for a few hours).
- Add or release air as needed to reach the recommended PSI.
- Repeat for all four tires—and don’t forget the spare!
At Burt Brothers, we’ll check your tire pressure for free whenever you come in for service. We also recommend adjusting for seasonal changes, since cold air can drop PSI by 1-2 pounds for every 10-degree temperature decrease.
How Often Should You Check Tire Pressure?
Tires naturally lose air over time, so regular checks are important.
- Monthly checks are best for most drivers.
- Before long road trips, always double-check to ensure safety and efficiency.
- During seasonal changes, especially in Utah’s colder months, expect a bigger PSI drop.
Tire Pressure & Vehicle Technology
Modern vehicles are making tire safety easier than ever with built-in systems.
- TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) alerts drivers when pressure drops too low. But keep in mind—it usually doesn’t warn about overinflation.
- Smart tire technology is on the horizon, with sensors that can monitor temperature, pressure, and even tread depth in real time.
- Fuel efficiency tracking systems will soon work hand-in-hand with tire monitoring to optimize savings.
Even with all this tech, nothing beats a quick manual check, something Burt Brothers technicians always include during routine inspections.
Conclusion: Drive Smarter with Proper Tire Pressure
Your tires might seem like “set it and forget it” parts of your car, but the truth is, they’re central to both how much you spend on gas and how safe you are on the road.
By keeping them properly inflated, you’ll:
- Save money on fuel.
- Extend the life of your tires.
- Reduce the risk of accidents and blowouts.
- Drive with more confidence in all weather conditions.
At Burt Brothers, we believe small habits make a big difference. Something as simple as checking your tire pressure can protect your wallet, your tires, and your family.
So take five minutes today to check your tire pressure, or stop by Burt Brothers, and we’ll be glad to do it for you.
