Most people know that keeping your tires properly inflated is a good way to increase your overall fuel economy.
However, a lot of people don't know that the specific kind of tires that you use can further improve your gas mileage.
Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road, so they play a very important part in increasing your miles per gallon and saving you money.
Low-rolling-resistance tires are designed to reduce the energy loss that is converted to heat as the tire rolls.
They are typically made of a lightweight construction that reduces the amount of weight that the vehicle has to accelerate and then bring to a stop.
They also employ specific tread compounds that lessen the amount of energy that is needed from the engine.
Typically you can expect to see a 5 to 7 percent increase in fuel efficiency compared to that of standard tires.
They also cost about 8 percent more than conventional tires.
So dumping your regular tires that have plenty of tread left for low-rolling-resistance tires may not be the best financial move.
However if you are in the market for new tires then low-rolling-resistance tires are definitely worth a look.
Especially considering that the higher costs of low-rolling-resistance tires will be offset by the savings in fuel costs.
In the past, low-rolling-resistance tires meant a tradeoff in reduced wet traction and faster tire wear.
Luckily the newest generation of low-rolling-resistance tires seems to have greatly minimized the negative aspects of the tires.
Low-rolling-resistance tires seem to be gaining popularity as part of an effort to increase fuel economy.
One of the things I like best about them is that they solve two problems when it comes to improving fuel efficiency.
They reduce the overall weight of your vehicle making your cars engine not have to work as hard.
They also reduce friction between the tire and the surface of the road.
In fact, most new hybrids and electric cars are equipped with low-rolling-resistance tires to further increase their gas mileage.
Most of the experts are predicting gas to hit five dollars a gallon this summer.
Knowing this, it is in your best interest to explore every single option when it comes to making your vehicle more fuel efficient.
Your choice of tires is only a small part of the equation.
By combining a change in driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and utilizing fuel efficient equipment, you can lessen the blow to your wallet when gas prices soar to new heights.