How Can I Improve My Gas Mileage With My Tires?

Proper tire inflation is an important part of optimizing your vehicle for good gas mileage. Under inflated tires can cut your mileage by as much as 6 percent, according to some studies. Add to that 6 percent the one mile per gallon you lose when you operate your air conditioner and it's clear that you really want to check your tire pressure to increase gas mileage. Other ways to use your tires to increase mileage include driving steadily, with no jackrabbit starts or sudden braking. Fuel efficient tires are also an excellent way to improve gas mileage even more.

How are Tire Speed Ratings Determined?

Tire speed ratings are determined in laboratory testing. These ratings are also evaluated by consumer groups and car enthusiasts-people with a vested interest in knowing the exact limitations of their equipment. One fact often overlooked about tire speed ratings; these ratings apply to undamaged tires only. There is no way to determine the tire speed ratings on a damaged tire as each kind of damage produces different results. It's best not to attempt any extended or "at speed" driving on damaged equipment. When your tires are compromised, it creates conditions suitable for potential additional damage. Pushing your tires too hard in such a condition makes for unsafe driving. This caveat also applies to altered or modified tires. No data is officially available on the tire speed rating based on such modifications.

Buying New Tires? A Few Things To Consider

When you go shopping to buy tires, ask yourself a few questions first:

1. Have my driving needs changed? Are you the owner of an SUV? If you are hauling more weight than before, consider going to a higher load rating. If you are carrying a full passenger load these days, plus tools, groceries and other additional weight factors you may need the extra safety margin a higher load rated tire can give.

2. Have I moved to a new climate? Snow, rain, slush, heat and other weather factors may not have been a consideration before. If you are buying tires in a new climate, reevaluate your needs instead of simply buying the identical model you have on your vehicle now.

3. Am I driving longer distances? Or am I doing more start-and-stop city driving? Again, if you are in a new environment you'll want to increase your traction, treadlife and speed rating needs. Chances are those needs have changed if you have relocated.

4. What new tire products are available for my vehicle? You may discover a whole new world of better traction, handling, and comfort simply by not buying the exact same model and brand of tire. Check consumer reports and reviews before you buy tires, you may be quite pleasantly surprised.

Are Fuel Efficient Tires Safe?

Studies conducted on fuel efficient tires with better rolling resistance have shown that the fuel efficient tires are just as safe and effective as any other kind of tire. The California Energy Commission's study concludes that safety factors on the more efficient tires equal any other tire on the road rated in the same categories. There aren't enough of these tires in use at present; only about 12 percent of the tires on the road in some areas are considered fuel efficient. If these tires were used nationwide, it is estimated that up to seven billion dollars a year could be saved if all replacement tires were fuel-efficient.