U.S. EPA SmartWay | EPA420F09-033 | www.epa.gov/smartway

Automatic Tire Inflation Systems

A Glance at Clean Freight Strategies

Energy

and 

Fuel Savings

Gallons Saved:

100 gallons

Increase in Fuel 

Economy: 

.604%

New MPG:

6.03 mpg

Fuel Cost Savings:

$380 

CO2 Savings:

1.12 Metric tons

1Long-haul carriers that 

evaluate their fleets and 

determine it is too difficult or expensive to 

monitor tire pressure 

on a regular basis can 

consider installing automatic tire pressure inflation systems on drive and 

trailer tires.

2 Interested fleets 

can check with ATI 

manufacturers and 

truck and tire dealers 

for more information. 

ATIs can be readily retrofitted onto existing 

trucks and trailers.

3 Fleets can also 

contact tire manufacturers or their state 

or national trucking 

associations for more 

information about the 

benefits of proper tire 

inflation.

Next Steps

.

Automatic tire inflation systems can save tire maintenance costs and improve 

fuel economy by nearly 1 percent, saving 100 gallons of fuel and eliminating 1 

metric ton of greenhouse gas emissions per year. Properly inflated tires also 

have fewer punctures and a longer life expectancy.

What is the challenge?

When not properly inflated, tires flex more under load. This produces heat and increases rolling resistance, which wastes fuel. Truck tires inflated 10 pounds per square inch (psi) below 

recommended air pressure levels can reduce truck fuel economy between 0.5 percent and 1 

percent. Since the bulk of the load is carried in the trailer, a 10-psi underinflation in a trailer tire 

may have nearly twice the impact on truck fuel economy as the same amount of underinflation 

in a drive tire. 

Heat and stress from improper inflation softens and deflects tire components, causing faster 

and more uneven wear, which shortens the life of the tire. Underinflated tires have more frequent punctures, increasing the risk of tire failures that could lead to costly road service and 

loss of revenue. 

Despite the importance, a recent survey of combination trucks found that less than half the 

tires surveyed were within 5 percent of the recommended inflation pressure. Another industry 

survey indicates only 8 percent of truck drivers check tire pressure with a tire gage before each 

trip. One reason fleets may find it difficult to keep tires properly inflated is because truck tires 

can lose up to 2 psi each month, even if the rim seal and valve stems are tight. A fleet may not 

be able to inspect or monitor its’ trailer tires regularly due to the fact that extended periods of 

time are spent away from service yards and because trailers are interchangeable. This places 

greater responsibility for checking tire pressure onto drivers. 

What is the solution?

Automatic tire inflation (ATI) systems monitor and continually adjust the level of pressurized 

air in tires, maintaining proper tire inflation automatically even while the truck is in motion. 

One ATI system uses the vehicle’s own air-brake compressor to supply air to all the tires. Once 

an ATI system is installed, it should not require any special attention from the drivers. This 

eliminates the need to check tire pressure manually, which saves time and labor while ensuring 

consistent and proper tire inflation.
Automatic Tire Inflation Systems

Savings and Benefits 

ATI systems can not only extend tire life but truck fleets can also see additional savings from reducing the risk of 

expensive tire failure caused by underinflation. Installing an ATI system on a truck’s drive axles and trailer costs up to 

$800. For a typical long-haul combination truck, annual fuel savings could reach 100 gallons, saving $380 in fuel costs 

and eliminating 1 metric ton of greenhouse gas emissions. Annual tire maintenance costs can also decrease. The cost 

of installing an ATI system in a long-haul truck is generally recouped in just over 2 years through fuel and maintenance 

cost savings.

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U.S. EPA SmartWay | EPA420F09-033 | www.epa.gov/smartway