Fuel Economy Tires, Improve Your Gas Mileage with Tire Maintenance

When you consider the fact that your tires are what allows you to accelerate, turn, slow down, and pretty much controls every aspect of driving a car — it is no surprise that they can have a huge effect on your fuel economy.

There are several ways you can improve your fuel economy through the use of your tires. Ultimately our goal is to reduce the rolling resistance that the tire has against the road. It doesn’t sound like it would have a large effect, but the government agency of fuel economy has recorded up to a 3% increase in gas milage.

This is an average savings of 6 cents per gallon, or $5 a month per vehicle. That is $60 a year, and over the average drivers lifespan it adds up to thousands of dollars.

Step 1: Keep Tires Properly Inflated

Properly inflated tires reduce rolling friction by keeping the size of the patch of rubber that touches the road at it’s optimal size. Additionally if you drive with tires at too low of pressure it can drastically reduce your fuel economy. Studies have recorded .3% drop per 1psi of under pressure.

Step 2: Purchase the Right Tires

The right tires are critical in this situation as well. The compound, design, and size of your tire can have a huge impact on your fuel economy. A larger aspect ratio tire will lengthen your gear ratios, improving fuel economy on the freeway due to the engine staying at a lower RPM. It is important to note that it will effect your speedometer and odometer in older cars.

Secondly supposed “high performance” tires are often of a stickier compound and more aggressive design. This increases the rolling resistance of the tires which will require more energy to keep the car moving forward.

In conclusion

Paying attention to your tires has a noticeable and lasting impact on your fuel economy and gas mileage. Make sure you buy the right tires and keep them properly inflated at all times.

Tags: economy, fuel, gas, inflated, inflation, milage, psi, tire, tires