With the price of gasoline hovering around $4 per gallon in many part of the United States, virtually every driver is looking for ways to improve his or her gas economy and get more miles for each dollar spent at the pump. Yes, consolidating errands, driving a fuel-efficient car and watching your driving habits can help. So can one paying attention to one part of your car you may not have considered in regards to fuel economy–your tires. If fact, your tires can play a key role in helping you maximize your gas mileage.

Tires and Gas Mileage

The tires you choose and how you take care of them can make a big impact on your fuel economy. Below are just a few factors that affect your miles per gallon:

1. Inflation. Properly inflated tires are essential for maximum fuel economy. The US Department of Energy estimates that keeping your tire properly inflated can increase your fuel economy by up to three percent. However, there is some debate about what is \”properly inflated.\” You\’ll find two inflation numbers on most vehicles. The number in your owners\’ manual and on the inside of the passenger door is the manufacturer\’s recommended tire pressure in pounds per square inch (psi). This number is the pressure that the car maker thinks will be most comfortable to the car occupants. There is a second number listed on the sidewall of your tire. This is the maximum pressure that the tire can safely hold. To improve your gas mileage, choose a inflation level somewhere between these two numbers.

2. Rolling resistance. Choosing the right tires can also help you save at the gas pump. Tires with more rolling resistance require more energy (more gasoline) to keep them moving down the road. In fact, up to 20 percent of the fuel your car consumes is used to overcome the tires resistance to the road. Tires that have less rolling resistance are made of materials that generate less heat as they travel. For the same reason, heavier tires and those with deeper treads are less fuel efficient. How do you know which tires to buy? Tire dealers don\’t often have all of the information on which tires are most fuel efficient. Instead, so your homework before heading out to the tire store. Look for ratings from independent energy groups like Green Seal and Consumers Union. Tires with low rolling resistance include Bridgestone 381, Nokian NRT2 and Sumitomo HRT 200.

3. Rim size. Don\’t be tempted to replace your standard, original equipment rims with smaller rims so you can use smaller, less expensive tires. What you save on the price of tires, you\’ll lose in gas mileage. Smaller rims have to make more rotations, increasing the rolling resistance of the tires.

So, don\’t ignore your tires. Pay attention to the tires you buy and keep them inflated properly and in good repair. You\’ll be rewarded for your efforts with savings at the gas pump.

Brian Doucette is an eCommerce specialist and expert within the tire industry for TireTeam.com, an online retailer providing low price tires.

Brian Doucette is an eCommerce specialist and expert within the tire industry for http://www.tireteam.com, an online retailer providing discount tires.

Author Bio: Brian Doucette is an eCommerce specialist and expert within the tire industry for TireTeam.com, an online retailer providing low price tires.

Category: Automotive
Keywords: tires, gas mileage, low price tires, tire factors, tire tech, tire information