35.77. Insufficient tire pressure contributes to fuel economy:
UAНедостатній тиск в шинах сприяє економії пального:
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the technical condition of a vehicle and its simultaneous impact on both road safety and fuel efficiency. In real-world conditions, even minor deviations in the maintenance of wheels and tires affect handling, traction, and braking, and are therefore critically important for the driver during daily vehicle operation as well as for the theoretical exam.
The question tests understanding of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding the driver's duties before departure and during operation, as well as standards for technical serviceability (specifically points 2.3 (a), 31.1, 31.4, and 31.4.5). The logic is simple: tires must comply with the established pressure standards, and low pressure is a technical nonconformity that worsens the operational characteristics of the car. The key physical consequence of low pressure is increased rolling resistance due to greater tire deformation and a larger contact area with the road, so the engine needs more energy to maintain speed, and fuel consumption increases.
Analysis of the answer options in this exam question on traffic rules: the statement about "fuel saving" with insufficient pressure is incorrect, because in practice this leads to higher fuel consumption, faster and uneven tire wear, and poorer handling. The correct conclusion is also supported by the safety aspect: low pressure reduces stability on wet roads, increases the risk of aquaplaning, and lengthens the braking distance, causing the driver to brake and accelerate more often, additionally consuming fuel. Regularly checking tire pressure according to the manufacturer's recommendations is a basic skill tested by the theoretical exam and directly affects safe driving.
Clause 2.3 (subclause "a")
To ensure road safety, the driver is obliged: before departure, to check and ensure the technical serviceability and completeness of the vehicle, as well as the correct placement and securing of the load.
Clause 31.1
The technical condition of vehicles and their equipment must comply with the requirements of standards related to road safety and environmental protection, as well as the rules of technical operation, manufacturer instructions, and other regulatory and technical documentation.
Clause 31.4
The operation of vehicles is prohibited under the law if there are such technical malfunctions and conditions, in particular those specified in subclauses 31.4.1–31.4.7 (including those concerning wheels and tires).
Clause 31.4.5
The wheels and tires of the vehicle must meet established requirements; operation is prohibited if, in particular, the air pressure in the tires does not comply with established norms (as well as in the case of other malfunctions/non-compliance of tires and wheels defined in this subclause).
Application: the question checks the understanding that the driver must maintain the tires in a condition that meets the norms (including pressure), and that low pressure is a deviation in technical condition that worsens the operational properties of the car (in particular, increases rolling resistance), and therefore cannot "save fuel".
That is, the correct answer is "No.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the driver is obliged to ensure the technical serviceability of the vehicle and the compliance of the tires with established norms (including pressure), and low pressure worsens operational properties and does not contribute to fuel economy.
When preparing for the exam, it is important to remember: the technical condition of the car directly affects both safety and fuel consumption. Tire pressure is one of the basic parameters that a driver must check before a trip and during operation. That is why the statement about “saving” fuel with insufficient pressure is incorrect.
When the tire pressure is lower than recommended by the manufacturer, the tire deforms more and its contact area with the road increases. In practice, this means higher rolling resistance: the car is harder to “roll,” and the engine needs more energy to maintain the same speed. More energy in motion means higher fuel consumption, not savings.
In addition, low pressure worsens handling and traction, especially on wet roads. In real situations, the driver is forced to brake and accelerate more often to compensate for the unstable behavior of the car. These “braking-acceleration” cycles also increase fuel consumption, because each acceleration requires additional engine work.
There is also a clear practical consequence for safety: with insufficient pressure, the braking distance increases, and the stability of the car worsens. For example, with a noticeable deviation from the normal pressure on a slippery surface, the difference in braking can be measured in meters, which is critical in traffic. That is, low pressure does not provide “benefits,” but creates risks.
Low pressure also leads to accelerated and uneven tire wear and overheating of their sidewalls. This not only reduces tire life and increases maintenance costs, but also worsens driving efficiency, which again does not contribute to fuel savings.
Therefore, the correct answer is "No.", since insufficient pressure increases rolling resistance, worsens handling and braking, and forces the engine to work harder, which increases fuel consumption.