5 Tyre Mistakes That Are Costing You Fuel and How to Fix Them with Reise

Let’s be honest—most of us only pay attention to our tyres when there’s a puncture or it’s time for a replacement. 
But did you know your tyres play a massive role in your vehicle’s fuel efficiency? Yes, those round rubber heroes do a lot more than just keep you rolling. If you’re aiming for more kilometres per litre, it’s time to focus on tyres that improve mileage and avoid common pitfalls that can cost you at the pump. 

Here are five tyre issues you should watch out for if you want to keep your ride economical: 

1. Incorrect Tyre Pressure 
This is the big one. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which means your engine has to work harder to move the car forward. The result? Higher fuel consumption and faster tyre wear. According to studies, running your tyres at just 75% of the recommended pressure can reduce your fuel economy by 2–3% and at 50%, you could lose up to 10% efficiency at city speeds. Over-inflation isn’t ideal either—it reduces grip and can lead to uneven wear. 

Quick tip: 
Check your tyre pressure at least once a month and before long trips. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. 

2. Improper Wheel Alignment 
Misaligned wheels cause your tyres to drag or scrub against the road rather than rolling smoothly. This increases friction and rolling resistance, which forces your engine to burn more fuel. Poor alignment also leads to uneven tyre wear, meaning you’ll be replacing your tyres (and spending more money) sooner than you’d like. 

Quick tip: 
If your car pulls to one side or your steering wheel feels off-centre, it’s time for a wheel alignment check. 

3. Wrong Tyre Size and Width 
It’s tempting to go for wider or larger tyres for that sporty look, but bigger isn’t always better for your wallet. Wider tyres have a larger contact patch, which boosts grip but also increases rolling resistance and fuel consumption. Similarly, tyres with a bigger diameter can be less efficient in city traffic but might help on highways if matched correctly. The tyres that impart vehicle’s fuel efficiency are usually the ones that match your manufacturer’s original specs—especially fuel-efficient motorcycle tyres. 

Quick tip: 
Stick to the tyre size recommended in your vehicle’s manual for the best balance of safety, performance and fuel efficiency. 

4. Worn-Out or Aggressive Tread Patterns 
Tyres with deep or aggressive treads are great for off-roading or wet conditions, but they create more rolling resistance on regular roads, which means more fuel burned. Conversely, bald or excessively worn tyres lose grip, forcing your engine to work harder, especially in slippery conditions. As tread wears down, rolling resistance can actually decrease, but safety is compromised—so don’t push your luck. 

Quick tip: 
Replace tyres before they reach the legal minimum tread depth (usually 1.6 mm) and choose tread patterns that suit your typical driving conditions—especially if you're aiming for the best tyres for fuel efficiency. 

5. Poor Tyre Construction or Maintenance 
Not all tyres are created equal. Radial tyres, for example, offer lower rolling resistance and better fuel efficiency compared to bias-ply tyres. Tyres made with advanced rubber compounds and optimised tread patterns are specifically engineered to reduce energy loss. Reise’s range includes low rolling resistance tyres in India, designed to lower drag and improve mileage. Neglecting tyre maintenance—like ignoring punctures, cracks or bulges—can also lead to higher rolling resistance and lower fuel economy. 

Quick tip: 
Invest in Reise fuel-saving tyres made for Indian roads and inspect them regularly for damage or uneven wear. 

How to Keep Your Tyres Fuel-Efficient