The Economical and Environmental Impact of Driving on Underinflated Tires

Here are a few interesting facts about how costly, wasteful, and environmentally damaging, driving on underinflated tires can be. Brought to you by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). 
  • The DOT estimates that 2 billion gallons of fuel are wasted each year due to low tire pressure,  in the United States alone.
  • Added emissions from low tire pressure is estimated to equal over 57.5 billion pounds of carbon emissions emitted into the atmosphere each year, in the US alone. 
  • The DOT estimates that one average, 43% of all tires in operation are driven on at 10% below the recommended level. This increases tire wear by 16%. 
  • The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has found that over 7% of all commercial tires are running at least 20psi under manufacturers' recommended values. In the US alone, 290 million tires are disposed of each year, and it is estimated that nearly 100 million tires are worn and dumped prematurely. 
  • Underinflated tires are more susceptible to bend and flex, thus wearing down the tire faster. The more worn down a tire gets, the higher the chances are of a tire blowout. 
Fleets that utilize tire pressure monitoring systems can improve the efficiency and profits of daily operations. Tires wear down slower, fuel costs can be cut by 2%, and increased bottom line profits are among the many benefits that TPMS can bring to a business. Not to mention, utilizing tire pressure monitoring systems is a step in the right direction towards a "greener" business and cleaner environment.