Low rolling resistance tires are popular among vehicle owners hoping to save some money on fuel expenses. However, these tires have their downsides, too. Read on for all you need to know about the advantages and disadvantages of these tires, as well as some more fuel-saving tips to reduce gas costs and keep your tires and vehicle safe.
What exactly are low rolling resistance tires?
Tire resistance is defined as the force resisting motion exerted on a tire as it rolls across a surface. When resistance is greater, then the vehicle expends more energy, which requires more fuel. According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center of the U.S. Department of Energy, rolling resistance is a major gas hog and accounts for between 5 and 15 percent of fuel consumption for most passenger cars. Low rolling resistance tires, though, are designed to decrease rolling effort, minimizing wasted energy and increasing fuel efficiency.
Find a Personal Injury Lawyer, Near Me
(855) 529-0269So why would low rolling resistance tires be a bad thing?
There’s little doubt that a true rolling resistance tire can save a vehicle owner money in fuel costs. However, rolling resistance has some pretty big downsides, too. First of all, these tires are typically more expensive than regular tires. And a tire manufacturer may advertise tires as being low rolling resistance tires – perhaps even specifying the amount of fuel costs that will be saved – when the tire is actually just an upgraded model of an older, traditional tire.
The other big downside to rolling resistance tires is more serious: less resistance may equal lower fuel costs, but also less tire traction. As a result, a vehicle may require a greater stopping distance than other tires and may experience decreased traction on wet or slippery surfaces.
Always Get the Most from Your Tires
There are ways to maximize your vehicle’s fuel efficiency without purchasing low rolling resistance tires. According to a February 2014 article on the Consumer Reports website, keeping tires properly inflated to recommended levels, checking tire pressure regularly when the tires are cool, and replacing old tires with highly rated tires may help the car reach optimal tire performance and could have fuel-saving advantages. The article recommends checking Consumer Reports’ tire ratings.
You can increase fuel economy by using cruise control when appropriate, cleaning out your trunk, removing heavy objects from the vehicle and driving the speed limit. Further, accelerating more gradually can help reduce fuel costs –you’ll use less fuel by accelerating slowly than if you accelerate quickly to reach your desired speed.
Click to contact Chalik & Chalik's personal injury lawyers today
When a Dangerous Tire Leads to an Accident
, all the maintenance in the world may not protect you from an accident. If you’ve been in an accident that you believe was caused by a defective tire, secure the help of the defective tire attorneys at Chalik & Chalik. We have offices around the state of Florida, so if you have questions, call us today at 855-529-0269 or use our online contact form.
Call or text Chalik & Chalik
(855) 529-0269
Michelin XZA Truck Tires under NHTSA Investigation The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is now investigating a Michelin truck tire line after having received six complaints. In all cases, Michelin XZA heavy duty truck tires failed and subsequently caused a crash. The NHTSA also received a police report about one of the crashes. No injuries or deaths have yet been reported....
Spot Checking Tires Before Buying a Used Car Purchasing a vehicle is an exciting process, but it’s one that requires a lot of work and research, too, especially when the vehicle you’re purchasing is used. If you’re considering buying a used car, one thing that is absolutely critical to assess is the car’s tires. When tires aren’t in good shape, they can be...
Airless Tires: Are we looking at a new set of problems? Vehicle owners have always been burdened with the task of constantly monitoring air pressure in their tires, change a tire when flat, and some drivers may be at risk of experiencing a tire blowout while driving. The invention of a new tire, manufactured by Bridgestone, may change all that. However, tire problems may be here...
Recent Tire Recalls Tire recalls are a serious matter, and families in Florida and across the country need to be aware of these recalls to protect themselves. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that the agency recalled more than 60 million tires since its inception. These defective tires can cause car crashes and serious injuries. Although...
