Where the Rubber Meets the Road

Are you getting ready to buy new tires?  Here is something you don't hear much about:  the tires' rolling resistance rating. 

 

80% or more of a car's fuel energy is wasted by friction and other such losses.  Automakers routinely specify low-rolling resistance tires on their new vehicles, in an effort to meet Federal fuel economy standards. 

 

These original tire models are available in the replacement tire market, but often only by special order.  

 

According to the California Energy Commission, about 1.5% to 4.5% of total gasoline used could be saved if all replacement tires had low-rolling resistance ratings.  This translates roughly into an average savings of up to 30 gallons of gasoline per vehicle per year.

 

Find out more before you buy.  Consumer Reports includes rolling resistance in its tire ratings.  Green Seal and the  US Department of Energy also have additional information about what to look for when purchasing tires.