Fuel-Efficient Tires: Are They Worth It?

March 5th, 2020 by Fix Auto USA

 

If you want to improve your car’s fuel economy, fuel-efficient tires are worth it — and they are quickly becoming must-haves for many car owners worldwide. To understand why this is the case, let’s examine some of the key questions surrounding fuel-efficient tires, how they work, and their benefits.

Do Fuel-Efficient Tires Work?

Fuel-efficient tires work because they have low rolling resistance in comparison to standard tires. As such, fuel-efficient tires require less energy to roll at the same speed as other tires. They also produce less heat in contrast to traditional tires, which helps improve the lifespan of fuel-efficient varieties.

In addition, fuel-efficient tires reduce harmful car emissions. Since fuel-efficient tires deliver increased mileage relative to traditional tires, car owners won’t have to buy new ones as frequently as standard counterparts. The result: fuel-efficient tires cut down on waste, as well as help car owners lower their fuel consumption.

How Do Fuel-Efficient Tires Work?

Various factors can help boost car tire’s efficiency. In some instances, tire designers have reduced the weight of their tires by using less material or lighter materials. Or, in other cases, tire designers integrate silica into the tread of their tires, which helps reduce friction on road surfaces. Some tire designers even incorporate purified oils into their fuel-efficient tires, thereby ensuring their tires are non-toxic and free of carcinogenic chemicals. 

Fuel-efficient tires sometimes have a distinct tread pattern as well. Tire designers can arrange tread patterns in circumferential rows, which helps the tires roll more efficiently. Meanwhile, stiff sidewalls can also help limit the amount of heat generated by tires.

Of course, maintaining the proper air pressure can help make any tire more fuel-efficient. If your car’s tires are underinflated, they have more flex in the sidewalls, resulting in more heat. This means your underinflated tires will lower your car’s fuel economy.

How Much Fuel Will I Save with Fuel-Efficient Tires?

Fuel-efficient tires alone offer no guarantees in terms of fuel economy. Along with your car’s tires, several factors can impact fuel economy, including:

• Excessive Idling: The more your car idles, the more your fuel economy declines.
• Driving at High Speeds: Driving your car at high speeds increases aerodynamic drag, which reduces fuel economy.
• Cold Weather: Your car’s engine won’t operate at peak levels until it warms up, which takes longer to do in cold weather.
• Frequent Short Trips: Your car operates at a lower percentage of time at its optimal temperature if you frequently use it for short trips.
• Cargo: Carrying excess weight in your car increases aerodynamic drag and lowers fuel economy.
• Running Electrical Accessories: Activating your car’s heat or A/C decreases fuel economy.
• Driving on Hills: Driving on hills, mountainous terrain, and unpaved roads lower fuel economy when compared to driving on flat roads.
• Using Four-Wheel Drive: Putting your car in four-wheel drive requires your vehicle to use more energy to reach your final destination.

Ultimately, the amount of fuel you save with fuel-efficient tires varies based on the tires themselves and any of the aforementioned factors. But, if you explore the top fuel-efficient tires on the market, you can discover tires that can help you improve your car’s fuel economy.

Which Tire Is Better for Fuel Efficiency?

Some of the top choices among fuel-efficient tires include:

1. Michelin Energy Saver A/S

Michelin Energy Saver A/S tires feature a special silica-based tread compound that improves traction and handling on all surfaces. They also include an asymmetrical tread pattern that enhances traction and braking ability. The tires are even sold with a 65,000-mile tread warranty.

2. Bridgestone Ecopia EP422

Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 tires offer a NanoPro Tech tread compound that helps lower rolling resistance and boost fuel economy. They include a Fuel Saver compound in the sidewalls that further improves the tires’ efficiency, too. The tires feature a ribbed design to improve traction on sand, dirt, and other dry surfaces as well.

3. Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max

Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires offer Dry and Wet zones that work together to optimize traction and handling. The tires come with Dual Channel groves that repel water, along with biting edges in the tread to improve traction in snow and other inclement weather conditions. Like the Michelin Energy Saver A/S tires, Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires include a 65,000-mile tread warranty.

4. Pirelli Scorpion Verde

Pirelli Scorpion Verde tires help car owners minimize their vehicle’s environmental impact without sacrificing performance or function. The tires consist of a silica-enhanced rubber compound that helps extend their lifespan. Also, Pirelli Scorpion Verde tires are available in a wide range of sizes to cover myriad makes and models.

5. Continental Crosscontact LX20 EcoPlus

Continental Crosscontact LX20 EcoPlus tires often provide excellent options for SUV and light-duty truck owners. The tires offer an all-season tread compound and perform well on wet and dry surfaces. They also feature a symmetric tread design to help provide a comfortable ride.

If you are considering fuel-efficient tires for your car, you should evaluate these options and others that are available. By performing a comprehensive search for fuel-efficient tires, you can find tires that provide the right combination of affordability, quality, and fuel economy. As a result, you can purchase fuel-efficient tires that deliver long-lasting value.

This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Fairfield-Suisun City, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing the Solano County and Sacramento area.