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Why Your Fuel Usage Increased - Your Tyres Could Be the Reason

Driving around West Auckland offers a bit of everything, from the stop-start traffic of the Henderson CBD to the winding, hilly climbs out toward Piha and the Waitakere Ranges. If you’ve noticed your needle dropping faster than usual while navigating the Northwestern Motorway, you might be asking yourself, "Why is my car using more fuel?" While engine issues often get the blame, your tyres are frequently the hidden culprit behind high petrol or diesel consumption. At Davey Tyres, we’ve seen how local driving conditions, such as our unique chip-seal roads and frequent rain, can exacerbate tyre-related suspension issues, leading to a noticeable drop in efficiency. By keeping your vehicle’s "shoes" in peak condition, we help you enjoy an uplifting journey that’s as kind to your wallet as it is to the environment. Whether you’re in a nimble EV or a heavy-duty 4X4 Ute, understanding the link between your rubber and your fuel tank is the first step toward a smoother, more affordable drive. Why Is My Car Using More Fuel Than Usual? High fuel consumption is typically caused by a combination of driving habits, vehicle weight, and mechanical inefficiencies, with tyre condition among the most significant external factors. When a vehicle's efficiency drops, it is rarely due to a single issue. Instead, it is often a "stacking" effect of several variables working against the engine's output. Understanding what causes high fuel consumption enables you to address the most likely problems systematically. What are the Common Tyre Problems That Lead to High Fuel Consumption? Low tyre pressure, improper wheel alignment, and uneven tread wear are also among the most common tyre-related factors that cause high fuel consumption. How do tyres affect fuel efficiency? Look no further than your air pressure. When tyres are under-inflated, they occupy more road space, increasing friction and drag. It is estimated that you lose approximately 0.2 percent in fuel economy for every 1 PSI of underinflation in your tyres. Primary Tyre Issues Affecting Your Wallet: Low Pressure: Soft tyres create more drag and generate more heat, resulting in higher fuel consumption and greater wear. Poor Wheel Alignment: When your wheels are toed in or toed out, in other words, being dragged along the road instead of rolling, then they are not straight. Incorrect Wheel Balancing: The result of this is vibration that makes the engine work as a reaction to unequal rotational forces. Worn Suspension: Shocks that do not hold the tyre firmly and evenly on the road cause scalloped wear, which increases resistance. Routine checks at Davey Tyres, including our FREE Safety Checks, can identify these issues before they turn into a major expense at the petrol pump. The Tyre Size Effect on Fuel Consumption: Does Width Matter? The effect of tyre size on fuel consumption is based on the contact patch; the bigger the patch of rubber on the road, the more the engine has to work to break free. As drivers switch from standard factory tyres to wider ones, they tend to report a significant increase in fuel consumption. The wider tyres have more aerodynamic drag and a larger contact area with the road. This gives a great grip in a 4X4 or a performance vehicle, but it comes at the direct expense of your fuel economy. Moreover, it depends on the tyre's weight. The use of heavier tyres increases unsprung weight, i.e., the engine needs more torque to get the wheels moving on their own at rest. This becomes more evident in the traffic of West Auckland, where your engine suddenly strains to get the rubber moving, which is larger than the engine's normal size. Do Bigger Tyres Use More Fuel? Yes, larger and heavier tyres nearly always consume more fuel because they increase the vehicle's rolling resistance, aerodynamic drag, and rotational mass. If you have upgraded your SUV or Ute with oversized "mud-terrain" tyres, you can expect a drop in fuel economy of 5% to 15%. This is due to the aggressive tread blocks and the increased energy required to rotate a larger diameter wheel. While they look great and perform well off-road, they are rarely the most efficient choice for daily commuting. Signs Your Tyres Are Costing You Fuel It can save you hundreds of dollars in fuel costs in one year by identifying tyre inefficiency indicators early. Your car can give you physical feedback that your tyres are operating against your fuel economy. Once you notice any of the following, you are due for an inspection by the professional: The "Pull": When the car starts to drift in one direction, it indicates you are not in the correct position, which results in excessive drag. Awkward Noise: It is a humming or whirring sound that often indicates uneven tyre wear, which can lead to friction. Heavy Steering: The steering can be heavy and unresponsive at times; this is usually an indicator of tyres that are grossly underinflated. Visible Tread "Feathering": When one side of your tyre's edges is sharp, and the other is smooth, you are literally wearing away your fuel. How Correct Tyre Maintenance Saves You Money Daily The best way to optimise your fuel economy is through regular tyre servicing, such as checking tyre pressure monthly and wheel alignment every half-year. At Davey Tyres, we propose an active strategy. Taking care of your vehicles by monitoring their health will keep you ahead of wear and tear. When you have your tyres fitted, balanced, and aligned by specialists, you minimise the physical load on your engine. Essential Steps to Improve Efficiency: Check Pressure Monthly: It is advisable to set your pressure to the manufacturer's specified load to achieve optimal results. Periodic Wheel Alignment: Have your tyres pointed in the right direction to eliminate scuffing. Tyre Rotation: Rotate your tyres every 10,000 km to keep them wearing evenly and maintain a uniform rolling profile. Select the Right Tread: When you mostly drive on motorways, consider a highway Terrain tyre with low rolling resistance. Optimising your tyres isn't just about maintenance; it's about making your car as easy to move as possible. When your tyres roll freely, your engine doesn't have to work as hard, and that translates directly into more kilometres per tank. FAQs Can seasonal temperature changes affect fuel efficiency through tyres? Yes, colder temperatures reduce tyre pressure, increasing rolling resistance and fuel consumption. Regular pressure checks help maintain efficiency. Does carrying heavy loads make tyre-related fuel consumption worse? Yes, heavier loads increase tyre strain, leading to greater resistance and higher fuel consumption. Do electric vehicles (EVs) experience fuel efficiency issues from tyres too? Yes, EVs are highly sensitive to tyre condition due to their weight and torque, making proper tyre care essential for efficiency. Does driving on rough or poorly maintained roads impact tyre-related fuel consumption? Yes, uneven surfaces increase tyre wear and resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption over time. Can tyre age affect fuel efficiency even if the tread looks fine? Yes, older tyres harden over time, reducing grip and increasing resistance, which can negatively affect fuel efficiency.