How Do Tires Affect Your Fuel Savings?
Posts contain affiliate links, see disclosure for more details.
Owning a car or truck is a necessary expense for most of us. However, that does not mean we can’t find creative methods to save some money. Fuel economy is one of the most important ways we can lower the cost of vehicle ownership. For many people, this means buying a hybrid or cars with fuel-efficient technology. However, there is much more to conserving gas than what’s under the hood.
What you may not know is that a car or truck’s tires have a significant impact on how well it runs. This means proper maintenance and care can end up saving you a lot of money at the pump. Here are some insider tips Truck Carriers and Freight Factoring Companies have been using to get the most rubber out of their trucks.
Why Do Your Tires Matter for Fuel Economy?
Rolling resistance is the amount of pressure your tires put against the pavement while driving. If there is too much of this force, your vehicle’s engine has to work a little bit harder to compensate for it and keep the wheels moving. This, in turn, means you will probably end up burning more gasoline. According to the United States Department of Energy, this additional effort can account for up to 15% of the gas consumed by cars and trucks.
How Can You Decrease Rolling Resistance?
There are several things you can do in the garage to help reduce the impact that rolling resistance has on a motor’s efficiency. Perhaps the simplest and most effective method is to make sure your tires are always properly inflated. Check them once a month, always keeping them at the manufacturer’s recommended PSI level.
Additionally, it is a good idea to choose tires that are the proper size for your wheels. This will prevent them from creating too much friction or adding excess weight to your vehicle. Both of these can influence the fuel efficiency, especially if you choose models that are too large and bulky for your car.
It is also important to pay attention to the depth of your treads. If you are only driving on paved roads, shallow treads are best. This will ensure that more of the tires’ surface makes contact with the road, thereby lowering the amount of rolling resistance the car will experience.
When buying replacements, look for tires that are made specifically for lower rolling resistance. Manufacturers today have designed models that feature thinner sidewalls, shallower treads and specially formulated materials. Choosing wheels that provide the best rating can do a lot to help your car or truck save fuel.
Although there is a lot under the hood that can impact a car’s gas consumption, that isn’t the only place you should look. Just a few minutes focusing on the tires can have a dramatic effect on how much you spend every month on gas. Whether you are in the market for a new ride or just looking to pinch a few extra pennies with your current one, these simple tips can make a big difference.
