Fuel prices have softened a bit in certain regions, but it's still supremely expensive to fill up the tank. Much has been said about ways to get better fuel mileage, but Jonathan Benson from Type Reviews offers some insight about tyres that is both interesting and a bit alarming.
First up is the obvious top tip for tyres. Keeping them properly inflated is a very easy step for getting the best fuel mileage, as harder tyres offer less rolling resistance. You don't want to go too far, however, as overinflated tyres will wear prematurely in the centre. That's a widely known bit of advice, but it all comes back to having a lower rolling resistance. These days, there are tyres on the market specifically advertised as having such properties. And they aren't just for electric vehicles.
The clip takes a look at the Continental EcoContact 6 and Michelin E Primacy, two tyres that promise lower rolling resistance. Citing an independent test, the tyres do perform better compared to standard versions with the E Primacy showing a 30 percent improvement. However, the video explains that tyres are only a portion of how a vehicle uses and distributes energy. At the end of it all, ultra-low rolling resistance tyres in this context offer only minimal mileage gains. Still, a little bit is better than nothing.
The Technology Of Tires:
Unfortunately, the trade-off for these tyres is traction, and to be specific, wet traction. Lower resistance is achieved in part thanks to a shallow tread that allows less air in the mix. Less tread means easier hydroplaning, and the video highlights test data showing a pretty hefty drop in wet traction for the aforementioned Michelin and Continental tyres. In one instance, wet performance for a premium ultra-low rolling resistance tyre was only marginally better than that of a budget tyre.
The video concludes with a mention of significant investments being made by tyre manufacturers into technology that finds a better blend of low resistance and traction. Until that day comes, practising good vehicle maintenance with fully inflated tyres is an easy way to save at least a little bit of cash at the petrol station. For more tyre content, check out the Rambling About Cars podcast featuring Jonathan Benson talking tyres as a special guest.
Source: Tyre Reviews via YouTube