Drivers suffering from gas price fatigue need to know that their tires can hold the key to lower fuel bills.
The rolling resistance of a tire – the force required to maintain forward motion – is one of the most important factors determining a vehicle’s fuel efficiency. When the rolling resistance of tires is lowered, the vehicle’s engine burns less gas because less energy is required to push the tires down the road. In fact, every 10 per cent reduction in rolling resistance improves fuel economy by one to two per cent.
How can motorists determine which tires have the lower rolling resistance?
Fountain Tire advises drivers to ask their local tire professional about tires specifically designed to deliver high fuel efficiency in combination with confident wet and dry traction and long tread life.
Known as low rolling resistance tires, these gas savers can reduce fuel consumption by as much as four per cent. They feature innovative polymers, compounds and tread designs that substantially lower rolling resistance. The average motorist using these ultra-fuel-efficient tires can expect to save hundreds of dollars in fuel costs over the service life of their tires.
Low rolling resistance tires have been available for the past few years. However, there currently is no universally accepted sidewall symbol to identify a true low rolling resistance tire. The introduction of an industry-accepted symbol is expected by the end of 2015.
The differences between a low rolling resistance tire and an ordinary tire are subtle and not easily detected visually. Drivers wanting to explore whether low rolling resistance tires are right for them should consult with their local tire professional.
Proper tire inflation is another fuel efficiency essential. An under-inflated tire does not roll as smoothly or as easily. This robs your vehicle of fuel efficiency. In other words, a flatter tire uses more gas because it increases rolling resistance.
Fountain Tire recommends measuring air pressures monthly and before long trips using a reliable tire gauge.
Here are some eye-opening facts from The Rubber Association of Canada, which represents
tire makers:
• Motorists who drive an average of 20,000 kilometers a year on under-inflated tires can save as much as $100 per year by ensuring their tires are properly inflated. Those who drive significantly longer distances can save more.
• Canadian drivers are expected to waste 500 million liters of gas in 2013 due to tire under-inflation. That’s enough fuel to power 250,000 vehicles for a full year.
• Seven-in-ten Canadian drivers do not measure their tire pressures monthly.
Drivers suffering from gas price fatigue need to know that their tires can hold the key to lower fuel bills.
The rolling resistance of a tire – the force required to maintain forward motion – is one of the most important factors determining a vehicle’s fuel efficiency. When the rolling resistance of tires is lowered, the vehicle’s engine burns less gas because less energy is required to push the tires down the road. In fact, every 10 per cent reduction in rolling resistance improves fuel economy by one to two per cent.
How can motorists determine which tires have the lower rolling resistance?
Fountain Tire advises drivers to ask their local tire professional about tires specifically designed to deliver high fuel efficiency in combination with confident wet and dry traction and long tread life.
Known as low rolling resistance tires, these gas savers can reduce fuel consumption by as much as four per cent. They feature innovative polymers, compounds and tread designs that substantially lower rolling resistance. The average motorist using these ultra-fuel-efficient tires can expect to save hundreds of dollars in fuel costs over the service life of their tires.
Low rolling resistance tires have been available for the past few years. However, there currently is no universally accepted sidewall symbol to identify a true low rolling resistance tire. The introduction of an industry-accepted symbol is expected by the end of 2015.
The differences between a low rolling resistance tire and an ordinary tire are subtle and not easily detected visually. Drivers wanting to explore whether low rolling resistance tires are right for them should consult with their local tire professional.
Proper tire inflation is another fuel efficiency essential. An under-inflated tire does not roll as smoothly or as easily. This robs your vehicle of fuel efficiency. In other words, a flatter tire uses more gas because it increases rolling resistance.
Fountain Tire recommends measuring air pressures monthly and before long trips using a reliable tire gauge.
Here are some eye-opening facts from The Rubber Association of Canada, which represents tire makers:
• Motorists who drive an average of 20,000 kilometers a year on under-inflated tires can save as much as $100 per year by ensuring their tires are properly inflated. Those who drive significantly longer distances can save more.
• Canadian drivers are expected to waste 500 million liters of gas in 2013 due to tire under-inflation. That’s enough fuel to power 250,000 vehicles for a full year.
• Seven-in-ten Canadian drivers do not measure their tire pressures monthly.
“Fuel efficient low rolling resistance tires coupled with a disciplined approach to checking inflation pressures will definitely lower your fuel bills,” says James Bliss, Director of Marketing, Light Vehicles. “Consumers simply cannot afford to overlook the fuel efficiency of their tires.”
Tire Inflation Tips
Fountain Tire recommends a simple four-step approach to measuring inflation: Identify the proper pressure on your vehicle’s placard. The right tire pressure is listed on the vehicle placard and in the owner’s manual.
• Only measure pressure when tires are cold. If the vehicle has been recently driven, wait three hours before measuring.
• Remove the cap from the valve stem, press a tire gauge onto the valve and take the pressure reading.
• Add air until the recommended air pressure is achieved. If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the centre of the valve, then re-check the pressure.