Under inflated tires have what effect on fuel economy?

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Multiple Choice

Under inflated tires have what effect on fuel economy?

When tires are under-inflated, they increase rolling resistance. More of the tire’s surface and sidewall must flex and deform as the wheel rolls, which wastes energy as heat. That extra energy means the engine has to burn more fuel to maintain the same speed, so fuel economy goes down. Keeping tires at the recommended pressure reduces rolling resistance and helps maximize miles per gallon. The other options imply either a gain or no change in efficiency, which isn’t the case because the added energy loss from under-inflated tires lowers efficiency.

When tires are under-inflated, they increase rolling resistance. More of the tire’s surface and sidewall must flex and deform as the wheel rolls, which wastes energy as heat. That extra energy means the engine has to burn more fuel to maintain the same speed, so fuel economy goes down. Keeping tires at the recommended pressure reduces rolling resistance and helps maximize miles per gallon.

The other options imply either a gain or no change in efficiency, which isn’t the case because the added energy loss from under-inflated tires lowers efficiency.

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