Are the New Gas-Saving Tires Worth the Cost?
Have you noticed all the TV commercials promoting gas-saving tires? With increased pressure on car manufacturers to produce more fuel efficient cars and unstable gas prices, tire manufacturers are promising increased gas mileage with the purchase of their tires.
Do gas saving tires really work?
If you're like me, you see these ads and question exactly how a tire can improve gas mileage. Tire manufacturers refer to these gas-saving tires as "low-rolling-resistance" tires. Made with specially formulated compounds and tread designs that cut road friction, some tire manufacturers claim you can save up to 5% at the pump by using these tires.
According USA Today, the tires might yield only 1% savings in fuel economy. Yet, Bridgestone introduced their tire "Ecopia" in Japan and claims it offers a 35% improvement in rolling resistance.
The most popular gas-saving tires are the Michelin Energy, Continental Contact, and the Goodyear Eagle LS. Gas-saving tires are standard equipment on several models. These models include: Ford Escape, Buick Enclave, Kia Sorrento and Hyundai Veracruz.
As you can see, the results and opinions vary. The National Resources Defense Council states you will pay $5 to $10 more per tire but could possibly save $50 to $150 in gas over the life of the tire. Keep these figures in mind. If you are considering buying gas-saving tires and they are markedly more expensive than your usual tires, you may want to pass and save money elsewhere