Everyone wants to save money on fuel. And while driving habits and vehicle maintenance still play a role, the tyres you choose can also influence fuel efficiency.
Many drivers do not notice the impact of their tyres on fuel efficiency, especially in city driving, where stop-start traffic adds up quickly. However, this is even more important now as fuel prices don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. So if you want to get the best fuel efficiency for your car, Tyrepower has the right expertise to help you with it.
How Do Tyres Impact Fuel Efficiency?
If you are wondering how much tyres affect fuel efficiency, it often comes down to how smoothly your car can move. In fact, tyres can account for up to 20% of a vehicle’s fuel consumption. As a result, selecting tyres with better fuel efficiency can help you drive further on each tank and lower your CO2 output.
The idea here is that the less effort it takes to roll forward, the less fuel your engine needs. Low rolling resistance is one of the main factors behind this. This refers to how much effort your tyres need to keep moving. When resistance is higher, there is more friction with the road. As such, the engine also has to work harder.
There are other things to consider as well. Tyre pressure affects how much of the tyre touches the road. Lower pressure increases drag or fuel use. Worn or uneven tyres can also add resistance without being obvious at first.
What Makes a Tyre Fuel Efficient?
Tyres that are fuel-efficient are built to help your car move using less energy. The goal is simple: if there’s less effort, the engine does not need to use as much fuel. Low rolling resistance is the main feature behind this. As the tyre rolls, it bends and changes shape due to the weight of the car. This creates energy loss that is usually in the form of heat. Tyres with low rolling resistance are built to reduce that loss. As such, more of the energy goes into moving the car forward instead of being wasted.
The materials used in the tyre also matter here. Modern rubber compounds are designed to lower internal friction. This then helps the tyre roll more smoothly while still maintaining grip. You will often see materials like silica used to support smoother movement.
Tread design also plays a role in the fuel efficiency of tyres. Fuel-efficient tyres usually have smoother, more even patterns. These patterns reduce how much the tyre bends as it rolls. With less movement, there is less energy lost, so the tyre can move more smoothly. These tyres often come with shallower tread plus a more uniform layout across the surface. This helps limit deformation as the tyre rotates. In turn, they limit heat build-up and keep the tyre moving steadily.
Tyre weight can influence things as well. Of course, lighter tyres will take less effort to get moving. Because of this, it can help in stop-start city driving.
Examples of fuel-efficient tyres, or “eco-tyres”, include Bridgestone Ecopia EP300, Pirelli Scorpion Verde, Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max, and Michelin E-Primacy.
Do New Tyres Improve Fuel Efficiency?
In many cases, yes. New tyres tend to roll more consistently when properly fitted. On the other hand, older tyres can wear unevenly and harden over time. They may also lose their shape, which can increase resistance.
However, it is important to note that low-rolling resistance tyres are not tied to one category or season. In fact, they are available in different categories, such as all-season, summer, or winter tyres. That means you can still choose tyres that suit your driving conditions while improving fuel efficiency. So if your driving is mostly in town or across changing conditions, there are tyres designed to handle that easily.
Are Fuel-Efficient Tyres Worth It for Everyday Drivers?
In earlier years, low rolling resistance tyres were seen as a trade-off. Many drivers had concerns about grip and stability. Aside from that, they were unsure how long the tyres would last. This made some hesitant to use them on rougher roads. Since then, tyre technology has come a long way. Manufacturers have improved materials and design to reduce rolling resistance.
Modern low-rolling resistance tyres now perform much closer to standard tyres. For many drivers, especially those spending most of their time in town, these tyres can be a smart choice.
They can make a difference in the following ways:
Gradual Fuel Savings
The savings build over time rather than all at once. You may not notice it on each drive, but using less fuel adds up. Low-rolling resistance tyres help reduce the effort your car needs. To get the benefit, keep your tyre pressure correct and check it often.
Smoother Daily Driving
These tyres are made to roll more easily, which can make daily driving feel smoother. This is noticeable in everyday situations like commuting, running errands, or driving through town. To keep that feel, make sure your tyres are balanced and aligned.
Lower Emissions Over Time
Aside from these two, using less fuel means your car produces fewer emissions. Over time, this helps reduce your overall impact, especially with regular city driving. To support this, keep your tyres in good condition and avoid letting them wear too far.
Additional Tips to Maximise Fuel Efficiency
Aside from the ones mentioned earlier, there are a few more easy ways to improve fuel efficiency without making major changes.
- Keeping your tyres properly inflated is a good starting point. When pressure is too low, your car needs more effort to move, which increases fuel use.
- Driving style also makes a difference. Smooth acceleration and steady braking help your car use fuel more efficiently. This is especially helpful in stop-start traffic where fuel use can quickly build up.
- It also helps to avoid carrying unnecessary weight. Extra weight means your tyres need more energy to keep the car moving. Keeping your vehicle lighter can support better efficiency.
Find Fuel-Efficient Tyres Near You with Tyrepower
Short trips, traffic lights, and regular braking can all affect how your car uses fuel. Because of this, tyre choice becomes more important than most drivers realise. At Tyrepower, we can help you compare options based on how you actually use your car. We can also check how your current tyres are wearing and whether your setup is working against you. Visit your local Tyrepower store today to get more out of every drive, starting with the right tyres.
