How Correct Tyre Pressure Helps You Save at the Petrol Pump

The first half of 2026 has been a wild ride for Australian motorists. From supply chain disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz to the recent July announcement that OPEC+ will boost global oil production by 188,000 barrels a day, international geopolitics have kept our local servos on their toes. While global markets might finally be showing signs of stabilising, the day-to-day cost of keeping your car on the road remains a major priority for Aussie households.

You might not be able to influence global crude oil outputs, refinery outages, or government excise rates, but there is one simple, free thing you can control to instantly improve your fuel economy: your tyre pressure.

The Hidden Cost of Under-Inflated Tyres

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the biggest enemy is rolling resistance. This is the energy your vehicle needs to send to the tyres to maintain a steady speed over the tarmac. When your tyres are under-inflated, they sag and create a larger 'footprint' on the road. This increased surface area generates more friction, meaning your engine has to work harder—and burn more petrol or diesel—just to keep you moving at the speed limit.

Industry testing consistently shows that for every 10 per cent a tyre is under-inflated, your vehicle's fuel consumption can increase by around 2 to 3 per cent. It might not sound like much on a single trip down the freeway, but over a year of commuting, school runs, and weekend getaways, that wasted fuel adds up significantly.

More Than Just Fuel Savings

Running the correct tyre pressure doesn't just protect your wallet at the bowser; it also protects your investment in your vehicle. Under-inflated tyres suffer from accelerated and uneven wear, particularly on the outer edges of the tread. Replacing a set of prematurely worn tyres will quickly wipe out any minor savings you might have found by hunting for cheap fuel.

Furthermore, tyre pressure is a critical safety factor. Incorrectly inflated tyres compromise your car's handling, increase braking distances, and make the vehicle more susceptible to aquaplaning during heavy rain. In extreme cases, the excess heat generated by the increased friction of a soft tyre can lead to a dangerous blowout at highway speeds.

Expert Tips for Perfect Tyre Pressure

Getting your tyre pressure right is easy, but it requires a bit of routine. Here is how to ensure you are always rolling efficiently:

• Find the placard: Never guess your tyre pressure or rely on the maximum pressure stamped on the tyre sidewall. Look for your vehicle's tyre placard, which is usually located on the driver's side door sill, inside the glovebox, or on the inside of the fuel filler flap.
• Check them cold: As you drive, the friction heats up the tyres, causing the air inside to expand and giving a falsely high pressure reading. Always check your pressures when the tyres are 'cold'—ideally before you have driven more than a couple of kilometres.
• Factor in your load: If you are packing the ute for a heavy load, towing a caravan, or filling the family SUV with luggage for a road trip, you will need to adjust your pressures. The tyre placard will list a higher recommended pressure for heavily loaded vehicles.
• Make it a habit: Tyres naturally lose a small amount of air over time. Make it a habit to check your pressures at the servo once a month, or every second time you fill up.

The Next Step to Maximising Your Savings

Keeping your tyres correctly inflated is the ultimate foundation for fuel-efficient driving. Once your vehicle is running as efficiently as possible, the next best way to keep your running costs down is to ensure you are buying fuel at the right time and the right place.

This is where FuelRadar comes in. Rather than driving around burning precious fuel looking for the best deal, you can use the FuelRadar app (available on iOS and Android) to instantly find the cheapest servos nearby. With reported fuel prices updated Australia-wide, you can easily track pricing cycles and lock in a bargain.

Ready to see where you can save today? Check out the FuelRadar map before you next head to the pump, and combine your perfect tyre pressure with the smartest fuel prices in your area.