Tyre Inflation and Fuel Efficiency: How Wrong Pressure Is Costing Your Fleet Money

Tyre inflation is one of the most overlooked factors in commercial fleet management, yet it has a direct and measurable impact on fuel consumption, tyre wear, and safety. Research consistently shows that a commercial tyre running just 10% below its recommended inflation pressure increases fuel consumption by up to 2.5%. For an Irish fleet, the financial implications of this are significant.

The Numbers

Consider a truck covering 150,000km per year with an average fuel consumption of 35 litres per 100km and a fuel cost of €1.60 per litre. Annual fuel cost: approximately €84,000. A 2.5% increase from under-inflated tyres adds €2,100 per truck per year. Across a fleet of 10 trucks, that is €21,000 per year — simply from incorrect tyre pressure.

The Correct Inflation Practice

• Check tyre pressures weekly, always when cold (before the vehicle has been driven)
• Use a calibrated pressure gauge — not the gauge on a service station air line
• Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for each axle position and load condition
• Ensure valve caps are always fitted — they prevent slow leaks and protect the valve core
• Check pressures after any significant temperature change — cold weather reduces pressure

How Wellplus Tyres Help

The Wellplus commercial range is engineered with robust bead construction and high-quality inner liner compounds that maintain inflation pressure more consistently than budget alternatives. This means fewer pressure checks fail, and the tyre performs closer to its design specification throughout its service life.