Reduce Gas Spending With The Right Tires
Right about now, you’re asking yourself what the heck tires have to do with saving gas. Well, you’d be surprised how much having the right tires can help you reduce your fuel expenses.
You’re probably paying more than you should for gas because your tires are hurting your fuel consumption. Add to that the fact that it’s hard to know which tires will be more efficient, and it’s a recipe for poor fuel mileage.
This will change in the future, because the federal government has mandated that tire manufacturers must start labeling tires for fuel efficiency. The program would create a national labeling system similar to the Energy Star system used to rate the energy efficiency of household appliance.
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.
You’ll find that tires today are more efficient today than they were in the 1970s. Radial tires have improved tire efficiency, and there have been many advances in tread patterns. Rolling resistance, (the power that is lost as rolling tires flex and change shape), has also been reduced by as much as 50%.
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.
Although you won’t be able to figure out which tire offers the best fuel efficiency until the minimum standards are put into place, you can use these Department of Motor Vehicle tips.
Keep your tires properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommended psi. Studies show that properly inflated tires can improve your mileage by 3.3%. Never test pressure in a hot tire in the summer or in a cold tire in the winter.
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.
Stick with regular sized wheels. Oversized wheels and rims are much heavier, and wider tires cause more friction. Your fuel efficiency will suffer.
Only replace your tires when they need it. To test the tread, turn a penny and put Lincoln’s head upside down. Then stick the penny in the tire tread groove. If the top of his head is noticeable, 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 you notice that your tires are showing uneven tread wear, you might have alignment, balance, or parts issues. Take your car in for servicing. They will diagnose the problem.
Use snow tires in a snowy climate and drive slow to increase efficiency. Don’t buy rain tires if you live in a dry climate.
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 ways to save gas and improve your vehicle’s MPG by at least 25-40% or more by hypermiling.