These days, maximizing your gas mileage is very important. Gas is steadily getting more expensive and most drivers are increasingly cost-conscious, especially with regard to unnecessary expenses like the increased cost-of-ownership that comes with owning a ‘gas guzzler’. There’s a reason you don’t see too many Hummers on the roads anymore. Even if people like the style of these vehicles, it’s tough to justify a single-digit MPG rating.

But, you don’t necessarily need to buy a new vehicle in order to save money on gas and get yourself a few more of those heavily sought after MPGs. In fact, one of the best ways to maximize your gas mileage doesn’t even require you to set foot in a dealership or an auto shop at all. It’s simply paying attention to where the rubber meets the road. Literally. We’re talking about your tires, which are one of the most important aspects of the gas mileage performance of any car or vehicle.

At the Fort Collins Foreign Car Service auto shop, we’re all about bringing you tips that help you drive better, keep your car healthy and save money. And paying attention to your tires can do all of the above. That’s something that any auto technician will tell you.

So, what do you need to know? Well, for starters. The basic premise is that the less resistance and the less friction that your car experiences when driving, the less your engine has to struggle to get the car moving and to keep it moving. A big part of minimizing that friction is making sure that you have your tires properly inflated.

If your tires are low, they will develop more friction with the road which can significantly affect your gas mileage. We’re not just talking about a couple MPGs here and there, either. The American Automobile Agency has stated that operating a vehicle with under-inflated tires can result in a 25% reduction in fuel economy. That’s like the difference between 40 MPG and 30 MPG.

That’s definitely not a drop in the bucket as any auto technician will tell you. In fact, it’s so significant that the experts at Fort Collins Foreign Car Shop recommend you check your tires right now. It only takes a second. And if you don’t have a tire gauge, just bring your vehicle into our auto shop and we’ll be happy to check them for you.