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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.

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.

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.

Your tires should be properly inflated. Check the manufacturer’s psi recommendations. You’re mileage will improve when your tires are inflated to the right psi. Make sure not to test the pressure in cold or hot tires.

When you’re replacing tires, consider purchasing the same brand and model that came as original equipment on your car. Auto manufacturers know that new cars will be thoroughly tested and rated by consumer magazines, right down to the performance of the tire, so they’re usually careful to choose the most efficient tire possible.

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.

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.

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 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.

Don’t buy rain tires in a dry climate. Off-road tread or water-shedding can burn more fuel. Buy snow tires in a cold climate to improve efficiency.

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.

Tags: Auto Tips

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