In this episode, we talk to Russell Shepherd, Technical Communications Director at Michelin Tires, to remind travelers to check in on their vehicle before hitting the road this summer after the pandemic lock down.
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Underinflated tires increase friction and rolling resistance, which is both a safety hazard and a fuel suck. AAA states that operating a vehicle with underinflated tires can result in a 25% reduction in fuel economy.
Underinflated tires can also result in uneven wearing, uncomfortable riding and reduced tire life expectancy. Whether the vehicle is in use or not, tire pressure should be checked monthly, along with tread. If you find you’re in the market for new tires, look for a tire like the CrossClimate 2 that performs well across conditions (wet, dry and snow) for safety and performance year round.
Another thing we can all do to go further on each tank is to drive in a steady, sensible way. Aggressive driving habits like gunning the engine, speeding, taking unprovoked quick turns around corners, jackrabbit starting and stopping and flooring the gas pedal will negatively affect your gas mileage.
Payload also makes a significant impact. While you may want to pack everything, driving light removes vehicle strain and decreases fuel consumption.
Ask yourself if you really need heavy items and additional bags, especially if they will require bulky vehicle accessories like roof racks and luggage carriers. These create aerodynamic drag which slows the vehicle and creates an unnecessary burden on your engine.
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