Is Low Tire Pressure Affecting Your Volkswagen’s MPG?

A vehicle’s fuel efficiency is a major factor when deliberating the pros and cons of a car, and Volkswagen is one of the leading economical and fuel-efficient vehicles, delivering high miles per gallon (MPG). However, there are several variables that can impact and reduce your Volkswagen’s MPG, with one of the most unsuspecting circumstances being low tire pressure. Low tire pressure, or driving with underinflated tires, can become a detriment not only to the safety and operation of your ride, but also to your wallet.

Signs Your Volkswagen May Have Low Tire Pressure

There are many contributing factors as to why your Volkswagen may be experiencing low tire pressure, with temperature fluctuations or damage caused by uneven terrain being the most common causes. However, if these causes aren’t readily recognizable, there are other signs to pay attention to when determining if your tire pressure is low.

Most modern vehicles, including Volkswagens, are equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). This is usually highlighted by an exclamation point symbol that appears on your dashboard. If this warning light is illuminated, it is a sure sign that your tires are below the recommended pounds per square inch (PSI) levels. Another indication of low tire pressure is increased wear and tear of your vehicle’s tires, which can quickly develop into slow or sluggish braking times due to reduced traction. This can escalate to increased safety risks for yourself and other drivers.

Finally, low tire pressure may find you making more frequent stops at the gas station. This is because low tire pressure is directly connected to reduced fuel efficiency of your vehicle. When your Volkswagen has to put in extra work to alleviate the detriments of low tire pressure, it affects the overall operation of your car. The more work your car takes on, the more trips to the gas station you will have to make.

How Low Tire Pressure Affect Your Volkswagen’s MPG

One major setback of low tire pressure is the effect it can have on your car’s fuel efficiency and decreasing its MPG. The reason is that low tire pressure correlates to increased rolling resistance, or the force that opposes the motion of the tire as it rolls on the surface. If the rolling resistance of your vehicle’s tires increases, there is a high likelihood that your vehicle will have to put in extra work to overcome it. This has the most impact on your gas tank, as an increased workload means higher fuel consumption.

Additional Vehicle Damage Caused by Low Tire Pressure

Beyond being an economic drain on your gas tank, low tire pressure can exacerbate problems in other areas of your vehicle that can pose safety risks and jeopardise your car’s performance. Low tire pressure can add to increased risks of tire wear and tear and the likelihood of a blowout. This is because much more of the tire’s surface comes in contact with the road, making it more likely that your tires will encounter rough terrain, uneven surfaces, and unexpected debris. Additionally, when your Volkswagen’s tires are underinflated, they do not absorb road shocks as effectively, leading to an increased strain on your vehicle’s suspension system and wheels.

Why Specialized Services Are Best For Checking and Preventing Low Tire Pressure

While there are many clear signs that your tire pressure is low and the simple fix would be to inflate them yourself, there are still some instances where professional services may be necessary. If you add air to your tires and the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light is still illuminated on your dashboard, this can indicate problems with your car’s sensors. Likewise, if your tires are still losing air after filling them, this can be a sign that it is much more than temperature fluctuations and can be a result of severe wear and tear that an expert can examine and diagnose. Finally, a slow leak or puncture may be the cause, in which an expert can pinpoint and repair with specialized tools and services.

At EuroService Automotive, our expert technicians are qualified to meet the demands of the higher service and maintenance required by European vehicles and brands. We offer dealership-level service at affordable and reasonable rates.

EuroService Automotive is proud to serve the following cities and communities: Bristow, Gainesville, Haymarket, Manassas, and Warrenton, VA.