Routine tire maintenance increases fuel efficiency and lengthens the life of the tires. The government of Canada says proper tire maintenance can improve your car efficiency to the tune of two "free" weeks of gas a year, and because your tires will last longer, you could save the cost of one or two new sets of tires over the life of your vehicle. Proper tire maintenance will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Proper tire pressure is critical to the safe operation of your car and contributes to gas savings.
To ensure your tires are properly inflated:
- measure the tire pressure of each tire, including the spare, with an accurate tire guage once a month.
- the correct tire pressure for your vehicle is listed on the information placard, usually on the edge of one of the vehicle doors. The vehicle owner's manual will also list the correct tire pressure for your vehicle, or tell you where to find the information placard. Note: the pressure listed on the tire sidewall is the maximum tire pressure not the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure.
- measure your tire pressure when your tires are cold - when the vehicle has been stopped for at least three hours or has not been driven more than 2 km (a mile or so).
Other tire maintenance procedures such as alignment, balancing and rotation of your tires will also save fuel.
