UFO Sightings

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tires produced today are far more efficient than tires were in 1975. Rolling resistance, which is the power that is lost as rolling tires flex and change shape, has been reduced by as much as 50%. Radial tires have also improved tire efficiency, and advances in tread patterns and the use of new, lighter rubber compounds have made a big impact.

Unfortunately, efficiency can still vary by as much as half from tire to tire, reducing fuel economy by more than 10 percent. And experts believe the mandated minimum standards should help reduce the amount of gasoline used in the US by billions of gallons.

You won’t have any way of knowing which tire will provide the most fuel efficiency until the minimum standards appear. For now, you should use 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.

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.

Stick with regular sized wheels. Oversized wheels and rims are much heavier, and wider tires cause more friction. Your fuel efficiency will suffer.

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.

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 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.

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.

Filed under: Shopping