Mills Honda knows that under-inflated tires cost you money. The U.S. Department of Energy says that for every 1 psi missing from your car’s set of 4 tires, you lose 0.1 percent of your gas mileage. (Every psi lost also means that tires wear 10 percent faster.)

By properly inflating your tires, you can improve your gas mileage by 3.3 percent. This means that cars getting 30 mpg could see a benefit of about 1 mpg with properly inflated tires. This benefit seems small at first, but when combined with tire savings, this amounts to a significant sum over time. 

Now that we know how important it is to keep our tires properly inflated, let's take a look at a system that can help you keep an eye on them: the Honda TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitorin System).

Honda TPMS helps you keep an eye out for trouble

While system specifics vary on different trim levels, all Honda models since 2008 have come equipped with a TPMS to help drivers be mindful of their tire pressure. These systems monitor the pressure in all four tires (thanks to embedded sensors in the wheels) and alert drivers if pressure drops too low. Those sensors are one of the reasons we recommend our customers always use Honda-brand parts, so that the tires can work properly with the TPMS. 

To supplement your TPMS, we also encourage drivers to regularly check their tires with a pressure gauge.

Checking your tire pressure

Low-cost tire pressure gauges are available from most auto supply stores. The ones with either a dial gauge and pointer or an electronic display usually provide the most accurate readings. You can also contact Mills Honda to schedule a full tire inspection and get your tires filled to the correct levels.

Take tire pressure readings after your car has cooled down. This avoids inaccurate readings caused by tires heated by the road. To take a pressure reading, unscrew the cap from the tire valve, position your gauge on the valve and then press down.

To inflate a tire, use either your own air pump or one at a gas station to inflate them until they reach the needed pressure. Be sure to use your pressure gauge to verify proper inflation.

Do not inflate tires according to the maximum pressure rating written on their sidewalls. Most cars have a sticker on the driver-side door jamb that lists recommended tire pressure. If you're unsure, contact the Mills Honda service department.

Why does tire pressure change?

Tires are made from porous materials, meaning that they lose air even when they do not have a leak. A study by Consumer Reports showed that air-filled tires naturally lose about 3.5 psi of pressure over a year at rest, but real-world conditions may cause more natural air loss.

Climate also affects tire pressure. Tires that are properly inflated in the winter often become overinflated when the weather turns hot and the air inside the tires expands. Similarly, properly inflated tires during the summer suddenly look flat when the weather turns cold and the air inside the tires contracts. (If the weather has turned cold suddenly, and your TPMS is reporting under-inflated tires, this might be why.)


As you can see, your tire pressure can have a big impact on your mileage, and the Honda TPMS can be a great help. Contact Mills Honda today to make sure you're getting the most out of your tires.