Different types of tires have different fuel efficiency characteristics, so when you are shopping for new tires, you many want to keep in mind how Energy Efficient auto tires are. Of course you should keep your tires inflated to their recommended pressure levels. Tires affect vehicle fuel economy mainly through rolling resistance. Bigger tires, rims and wider tires are heavier, less aerodynamic, and create more rolling resistance. Unfortunately no standard on rating efficiency exists. Bills have been introduced to create such a rating.

An interesting publication on Tire Fuel Efficiency states:

“A 10 percent reduction in average rolling resistance, if achieved for the population of vehicles using replacement tires, promises a 1 to 2 percent increase in the fuel economy of these vehicles. About 80 percent of passenger cars and light trucks are equipped with replacement tires. Assuming that the number of miles traveled does not change, a 1 to 2 percent increase in the fuel economy of these vehicles would save about 1 billion to 2 billion gallons of fuel per year of the 130 billion gallons consumed by the entire passenger vehicle fleet. This fuel savings is equivalent to the fuel saved by taking 2 million to 4 million cars and light trucks off the road.”

Consumer Reports provides data on rolling resistance in their tire reviews for fuel efficient tires.

Bridgestone recently introduced ECOPIA tires with lower rolling resistance. These tires use NanoPro-Tech (Nanostructure-Oriented Properties Control Technology) to reduce rolling resistance and energy loss while maintaining wet traction. Ecopia Tires have been tested to have a 36% improvement when it comes to rolling resistance.

Goodyear has the Assurance Fuel Max tire that Helps reduce energy loss as the tire rolls to save 2,600 miles/4,000 kilometers worth of gas over the life of the tire.

Continental makes the well priced, $90 ProContact tire with ECO PLUS + technology. Their ad shows a $423 savings or 154 gallons of gas over the life of the tire.  Consumer Reports reviewed this tire and gave it a high overall score.  It did not sacrifice wet braking performance or tread life in its quest for efficiency.

Look for fuel efficient tires when you need to change your car’s tires. They will not cost much more and will help keep gas bills down.