Choose Tires Wisely and Enjoy Gas Savings

by: JoanYankowitz
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I'm sure you're concerned with saving as much money on gas as possible these days. I'll bet you didn't realized that having the right tires can greatly improve your fuel consumption.

If you don't know a lot about tire efficiency, you're not alone. Most people don't know that they are adding to their driving expenses by choosing tires that deliver poor fuel economy. There's not a lot of information available about tire efficiency. And its difficult to know how to make your choice.

Hopefully, this will be soon be recified, because the federal government has decided that tire manufacturers must start labeling tires for fuel efficiency. This program would create a national labeling system that would rate the energy efficiency of tires.

Like so many programs, it is taking a long time to implement. Consumer watchdogs say that manufacturers are trying to slow down the process, but the companies claim they are moving as fast as they can to research and develop tires that are more fuel-efficient.

Tires produced today are far more efficient than tires were in 1975. Rolling resistance, which is the power that is lost as rolling tires flex and change shape, has been reduced by as much as 50%. Radial tires have also improved tire efficiency, and advances in tread patterns and the use of new, lighter rubber compounds have made a big impact.

But tire efficiency can still vary greatly, and fuel economy can be affected. Experts hope the mandated minimum standards will help reduce the amount of gasoline used in the US by billions of gallons.

Until those minimum standards actually appear, though, you will have no way of knowing which tire will deliver the most fuel efficiency for your vehicle. Until labeling arrives, the best you can do is remember these tips from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Your tires should be properly inflated. Check the manufacturer's psi recommendations. You're mileage will improve when your tires are inflated to the right psi. Make sure not to test the pressure in cold or hot tires.

When buying new tires, you might want to buy the same brand and model that came with your car. Because new cars are rated by consumer magazines, auto manufacturers choose the most efficent tires possible.

Stay away from special wheels for your truck or car. Wider tires touch the road with more friction, and oversize wheels and rims weigh more. Your fuel efficiency will be reduced.

Don't replace tires until you have to. Worn tires are actually more efficient than brand new ones. Turn a penny so that Lincoln's head is upside down, and then stick the penny in the groove of the tire tread. If you can see the top of his head, it's time to replace the tires.

Fill tires with air, and not nitrogen. There is no conclusive proof that nitrogen improves either tire wear or mileage, so it's not worth the cost.

If your tires show uneven tread wear, you may have alignment, balance or parts problems: If one edge of your tire is more worn than the other, and has a "feathered" appearance, you have an alignment problem. If the tire appears to be "cupped," you may have damaged parts or you may not be keeping your tires properly balanced. Any of these situations will reduce your fuel efficiency.

Don't buy rain tires in a dry climate. Off-road tread or water-shedding can burn more fuel. Buy snow tires in a cold climate to improve efficiency.

By choosing the right tires, you'll be sure to improve your fuel efficiency. As prices continue to skyrocket, you'll want to learn even more gas saving tips.

About the Author

Joan Yankowitz will show you how to save gas and improve your vehicle's MPG by at least 25-40% or more by hypermiling.  

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