09/12/2025

Underinflated tires cost U.S. drivers $18.6 billion each year

Source: aftermarket MATTERS

American drivers overspend approximately $18.6 billion annually on fuel because nearly half are driving on underinflated tires, according to a report released by Firestone Complete Auto Care (Firestone).

Most often underinflated tires

The survey from automotive service providers is based on data collected from the 9.7 million cars serviced at the more than 1,800 Firestone stores between June 2024 and March 2025. Underinflated tires can increase rolling resistance, which may require a vehicle to use more gas to move forward.

Top 10 brands across vehicle types with the most PSI missing from their tires

In its official report, “How to Get Money from Thin Air: The Hidden Benefits of Proper Tire Inflation,” the tire and automotive service provider outlines findings, including:

• 42% of cars serviced at Firestone stores had underinflated tires.

• The average vehicle’s tire pressure was 13 PSI lower than the recommended pressure.

• States and districts with the highest rate of cars with underinflated tires included District of Columbia (72%), Hawaii (61%) and California (57%).

• Northeastern drivers had the lowest rate of cars with underinflated tires of any region in the U.S. (28% overall), with New Hampshire (18%) and Rhode Island (22%) leading the charge.

• Vehicle types that most often needed more air in their tires included sports cars and minivans.