Can Tires Improve Your Fuel Economy?

A car is an investment. You want it to get you back and forth to work and school. You want it to be capable of taking you and your friends out of town on weekend trips to the cabin, a concert or ballgame and many other destinations. You want it to run efficiently and effectively for as long as possible.

Prices have risen in recent years for many commodities, including gasoline. Drivers are becoming more and more aware how important it is to conserve fuel when possible to help get the most out of our automobiles.The fuel economy is a major concern for vehicle owners today.

There are many ways to help your car become more fuel efficient. From changing driving habits to regular maintenance, most drivers have adapted some techniques to lower their monthly gas costs. Several companies involved in the auto industry have also acted on this issue. Some auto manufacturers use special tires to help improve mileage and overall performance on the road.

Here are a few ways that your tires can help improve your car’s fuel economy:

1. Air pressure.

You should check the air pressure in your car tires at least once a month. Having your tires properly inflated can help reduce resistance and help your car become more fuel efficient.

2. Correct tire size.

When you buy a new car, it may be tempting to put bigger wheels and rims on it than the ones that it originally came with. However, this can also affect your car’s overall performance. Larger wheels actually cause the engine to work harder. Smaller tires weigh less and help cars create less rolling resistance and friction. For best performance, stick to the wheel type and size recommended by the manufacturer.

3. Tire tread

While you’re checking the air pressure in your tires, it’s also a good idea to check the tire tread. If the treads are very deep, your gas mileage will probably be poor. There are a lot of different tread types available in different kinds of tires. For average use, you just need tread that is adequate enough to help your tires grab the pavement and help you brake effectively during the times when you need to come to a sudden stop. Most experts recommend replacing tires after 50,000 miles and having your tires rotated regularly for optimal performance.

4. Low resistance

Having tires with low rolling resistance on your car means that your vehicle does a better job at using less fuel on average to get you to and from where you want to go. This is another reason why it’s important to have good tread on your tires. The less they are worn, the better they are at gripping the road surface. Badly worn tires create less rolling resistance and can be dangerous if you have to brake suddenly because of an accident or bad weather.

5. Performance in inclement weather

The type of tires you should have on your car depends on the kinds of weather that you usually drive in. If you’re driving in snow, rain, ice or rough terrain, performance tires will probably give your car better handling in these conditions. For people driving in colder climates, winter tires will provide better traction on icy and snowy roads. All-weather tires help drivers who are used to navigating roads in all types of weather, and generally help your car achieve better fuel efficiency overall.

6. Check your alignment

Your tires encounter many obstacles every time you drive. Rocks, potholes and other items can damage your tires and affect your wheel alignment. Many experts recommend having your tires aligned annually. Properly aligned tires generally wear less rapidly and help your car retain good traction.

These are just some of the ways that having tires that best fit your driving style and can help improve your automobile’s overall fuel efficiency.

There are other ways to also help improve your gas mileage. Some of these options are:

Because gas mileage decreases when we drive 60 miles per hour or more, it’s better to drive the speed limit. Not only does this help you avoid a possible ticket, but it also helps your overall fuel efficiency and helps keep your engine running longer. Drivers behind you may not like it, but you’re helping preserve and extend the life of your car by driving the speed limit.

– Don’t bring what you don’t need

A lot of us tend to over-pack when we’re heading out of town for a weekend or a nice vacation. One thing to think about is how all of the extra weight of the things we bring with us impacts our car’s performance. The heavier the car is, the harder it has to work. Reducing the weight creates less stress on your vehicle and helps keep you spend less money on gas.

– Don’t leave the engine idling

It’s tempting to leave the car running when we stop for a quick errand or run inside for a few minutes on a cold winter day, but this actually does more harm than good. Leaving a car idling burns gas faster and decreases your fuel efficiency. Turn the car off in those situations to help save money.

– Use cruise control

You’ve probably seen a lot of motorists speed and pass you on the highway every day. We all want to get where we’re going faster, but this actually uses more fuel. Using cruise control on level roads or on the interstate whenever possible is very sensible and fuel efficient.

– Speed up and slow down appropriately

Excessive speeding or braking is not only bad on your pedals, but it can also affect your gas mileage. Taking a little extra time to get to your destination will pay off in terms of greater fuel efficiency over time.

These are just some common sense ways to help improve your vehicle’s gas mileage. As oil and gas prices continue to rise, it’s important to drive smartly and take precautions to avoid any unnecessary wear or damage to your tires. It may take a little time and practice, but getting better fuel efficiency will help you set aside more money to enjoy life’s experiences.