Reduce Gas Spending With The Right Tires

By: Joan Yankowitz

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.

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.

So far, however, there has been little progress made. Critics say the industry is stonewalling, but the tire manufacturers disagree. They say they have spent millions on research and development of more fuel-efficient tires.

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.

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 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.

Stay away from special wheels for your truck or car. Wider tires touch the road with more friction, and oversize wheels and rims weigh more. Your fuel efficiency will be reduced.

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.

Don't fill tires with nitrogen instead of air. There's still no definitive data showing that filling tires with nitrogen improves either mileage or tire wear. Until the data is in, it's probably not worth the extra expense.

If your tires show uneven tread wear, you may have alignment, balance or parts problems: If one edge of your tire is more worn than the other, and has a "feathered" appearance, you have an alignment problem. If the tire appears to be "cupped," you may have damaged parts or you may not be keeping your tires properly balanced. Any of these situations will reduce your fuel efficiency.

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.

Article Source: http://www.dxarticle.com

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

Please Rate this Article

Not yet Rated

Additional Articles From - Home | Finances

Governor of CA Vetoes Health Insurance Consumer Protection Bill - By : Ethan Calvin
Prepare Your Business For Sale at QxBid Business Auctions - By : auctionsdir
Survival Back-Up Recession Plan - By : Eleanor Lynar
Hedge Fund Operators: Don't Bet With Warren Buffett - By : Barry Lycka
3.Little Known Ways to Trade Forex Like A-B-C - By : Joel Gardner
Personal Loan your Financial Crutch in Despair - By : Kirthy
Urgent Cash loan Fast Paced Approval - By : Kirthy
Compare Mortgages For Best Rates - By : Cas Paton
Comparison of Mortgage Rates Made Simple - By : Cas Paton
SCF Group Reveals Secrets- Why Offshore Companies are Better for Privacy - By : Roy Annewart

indexnav

Learn More.

Authors

Author Login

Submit Articles

Submission Guidelines

Publishers

Top Authors