Posted by : varun in (Autos)
How to Buy Tires that Increase Gas Mileage
In these days of sky-rocketing gas prices, wouldn’t you like to save at least $12 with every fill up? By simply choosing the right tires, you can increase your gas mileage.
Step 1
Understand rolling resistance. Let’s go back to high school physics. Inertia is the tendency of an object to stay at rest or to keep in motion. Even though an object is in motion, it still requires energy to keep it moving at a constant speed since any object moving on this planet works against friction. Rolling resistance is the amount of force required to keep an object rolling at a constant speed. It depends on the adhesion between the surface and the wheel. As an example, a train with steel wheels on a steel track will roll a lot further without additional force than a car on a road. The higher the rolling resistance of your car’s tires, the more energy is required to fight the road’s friction. By choosing tires with lower rolling resistance, you burn less energy to keep your car moving.
Step 2
Know the factors that lower rolling resistance of a tire. Fuel efficient tires are made with materials that heat less during a drive. Heat deforms that shape of a tire making it harder to roll. Heavier tires are less efficient, as are those with deeper treads. If you live in a climate that requires snow tires, take them off as early as feasible.
Step 3
Don’t replace your rims with those in a smaller diameter going with lower tires. This will increase gas mileage and throw off your odometer reading as well, unless you get it recalibrated.
Step 4
Get the ratings. One ratings organization, Green Seal found differences of between 20% and 30% in fuel efficiency of otherwise identical tires. Michelin has embarked on a plan to cut rolling resistance 20% over its current fuel efficient line. Consumers Union regularly incorporates rolling resistance testing into its annual tire ratings. Some of the tires which received top recommendations were: Bridgestone B381, Nokian NRT2 and Sumitomo HTR 200.
Step 5
Be assured that fuel efficient tires are safe, according to a study by the California Energy Commission. This same agency concludes that in most states, only 12% of the tires in use would be considered fuel efficient
Step 6
Tire inflation is the final factor to note. Lower pressure causes increased side wall flexing. Under inflated tires can add 6% to your fuel consumption, which could easily translate into burning an extra gallon of gas with every fill up if you’re getting around 20 MPG. You really notice the effects of tire pressure on energy use when peddling a bicycle. One reason why road bikes have thin high pressure tires is that the rolling resistance is far less than with a mountain bike. In fact, the Malibu Triathlon has different divisions for mountain and road bike riders. Tires tend to lose air pressure more in the winter, 1 pound of pressure for every drop of 10 degrees Fahrenheit so check them more frequently when the air chills. Air Alert makes a set of four self-calibrating tire LED tire valve caps that start to flash when your tire pressure drops 4 pounds per square inch. They are available with free shipping for $29.99 from Amazon.com