What to Know About Low Rolling Resistance Tires

While modern vehicles are more fuel-efficient than ever, manufacturers continue to make advances in technology that help them improve upon fuel economy. If you’re in the market for new tires, you might consider low rolling resistance tires, which are designed specifically to help today’s vehicles get better gas mileage. Find out more about what makes these tires worth a look.

Understanding Low Rolling Resistance Tires

These tires are designed to minimize wasted energy as the tire rolls, which in turn decreases the effort it takes for the tires to roll. Up to 15 percent of a vehicle’s fuel may be used to overcome rolling resistance, so by installing low rolling resistance tires, consumers can improve the fuel economy of their vehicles. Although development of these types of tires actually began in the 1990s, today’s technology has improved when it comes to low rolling resistance tires.

Materials

The materials that tires are made of can contribute to their level of resistance. Typically, tires are formed from natural and synthetic rubbers. Manufacturers have discovered that adding silica to the tire’s compound can improve rolling ability and decrease resistance.

Tire Design

Another aspect of these tires relates to design. Tires that have a deeper tread pattern have more flex, and while they are good for gripping the road, they have more resistance, causing more fuel to be used. Low rolling resistance tires can be designed to have a shallower tread pattern and therefore require less fuel to be used for them to turn.

Pros, Cons, and Potential Savings

While many are in favor of any means to improve fuel economy, there are pros and cons to the technology of these tires. They may not provide the same grip as tires with more depth, which can be an issue for some people, especially those living in climates with poor winter road conditions. Overall, those who purchase low rolling resistance tires will save about eight percent (once fuel savings are factored in) over those with traditional tires. While this may not sound like a massive improvement, it can add up over the life of your tires.

An Affordable Option

Today the technology for these tires has advanced to the point where they have become affordable. As with most products, you’ll find some brands for more and some for less, but overall you’re not necessarily going to pay a premium for low rolling resistance tires over regular tires.

New Regulations

In 2015, Obama signed the FAST Act, a five-year transportation bill that requires the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to set minimum standards for tire rolling resistance. The focus here is on both fuel conservation and safety, but there are still a variety of factors at play, such as how to increase wet traction with a low rolling resistance tire, that future technology may solve.

If you’re considering new tires and fuel economy is important to you, choosing these innovative tires can help make a difference in your fuel budget. As with many new technologies, there are pros and cons to consider, but there is no doubt these tires will continue to evolve and make driving both safer and more economical.

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