Save Money on Gas with the Right Tires

Tires are boring, and we tend to ignore them as long as nothing goes wrong. However, your tires have a profound effect on the gas mileage your vehicle is getting, if the truth be known. Just as maintaining the correct tire pressure is critical to fuel economy, having the right tires is an important factor, as well.

We came across this article, and commend it to your reading. You owe it to yourself with gas prices soaring and no relief in sight.

The Right Tires Can Help You Save Money on Gas

Most people don't realize that having the right tires can improve fuel savings. But it's true. And you probably haven't paid enough attention to the tires you have on your vehicle.

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.

There may be hope, though, because the government has decided that tire manufacturers must start labeling tires for fuel efficiency. They want to create a national labeling system that will have unified standards, similar to the Energy Star system used to rate the energy efficiency of household appliance.

To date, the government program hasn't made much progress. Industry watchdogs claim that tire companies are stalling, but the manufacturers say they've spent millions of dollars on the research and development of tires that are fuel efficient.

The good news is that tires are much more efficient today than they were in 1975. Rolling resistance, (the power that is lost as rolling tires flex and change shape), has been reduced by as much as 50%. Radial tires have greatly improved tire efficiency, and there have been many advances in tread patterns and the use of new, lighter rubber compounds.

However tire efficiency can still vary a great deal, and fuel economy can be reduced. Industry experts expect the mandated minimum standards will go along way to help reduce the amount of gasoline used in the US.

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.

Make sure you inflate your tires according to the manufacturer's psi specifications. You'll find that you can improve your mileage by keeping your tires properly inflated. Don't test the pressure in a hot or cold tire.

If you're in the market for new tires, think about replicating your original brand and model. Auto manufacturers usually choose the most efficient tires possible for their new cars.

Don't use flashy wheels on your car or truck. Oversized wheels and rims weigh more, and wider tires have more surface area touching the road, creating more friction. Both reduce fuel efficiency.

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.

Only fill tires with air. Don't fill them with nitrogen, since it hasn't been proven that nitrogen improves mileage or tire wear.

If you see that the tire tread is uneven, take your car in for servicing to determine the problem. You could have alignment, balance, or parts issues.

If you live in a dry climate, don't buy rain tires. Water-shedding or off-road tread patterns can burn more fuel. If you live in a snowy climate, buy snow tires and drive slow, both of which will increase efficiency when driving in the snow.

Now you've learned how choosing the right tires can save you money and improve your fuel efficiency. As gas prices continue to increase, you'll want to learn even more gas saving tips.

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