The Right Tires Can Help You Save Money on Gas | Auto Finance

By JoanYankowitz
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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.

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.

Hopefully, this will be soon be recified, because the federal government has decided that tire manufacturers must start labeling tires for fuel efficiency. This program would create a national labeling system that would rate the energy efficiency of tires.

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.

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.

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.

When buying new tires, you might want to buy the same brand and model that came with your car. Because new cars are rated by consumer magazines, auto manufacturers choose the most efficent tires 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.

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.

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.

It's clear to see that the right tires can help improve your fuel efficiency and save you money. You'll want to learn even more gas saving tips as gas prices continue to skyrocket.

About the Author

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

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