There are a lot of things to consider when shopping for a set of new tires—fitment, season, desired handling, and (of course) budget. But the economics are not just about the initial price.
Switching to a high-quality set of fuel-efficient low rolling resistance (LRR) tires is a wise multi-year investment—especially in times when gas prices are high.
Low Rolling Resistance Tires use advanced rubber compounds and tread patterns to reduce friction while maintaining grip. So they provide a comfortable ride and a high degree of safety. But also consider these facts:
- The Department of Energy estimates that 4 to 11 percent of fuel consumption is due to tire rolling resistance.
- Consumer Reports testing of performance all-season tires showed a 27 percent difference in rolling resistance between the best- and worst-performing tires. That adds up to about $40 per year in fuel costs.
- CR also reports about industry studies showing that a 10 percent drop in rolling resistance equates to about a 1 percent improvement in fuel economy.
The original Honda Insight set a high mark for fuel economy.
The Honda Insight and Toyota Prius Hybrids Paved the Way
If you’re looking for a set of fuel-efficient standard touring tires, Michelin’s Defender should be at the top of the list.
More than two decades ago, the 1999 teardrop-shaped Honda Insight shipped with low-rolling-resistance P165/65R14 Bridgestone Potenza tires. Soon after, the first Toyota Prius rolled off the line with slightly wider 175/65R14s.
While the Potenzas allowed the Insight and Prius to achieve remarkable fuel efficiency, tread life was limited. Just as importantly, the tires fell short on handling dynamics. Before long, these early LRR tires earned a poor reputation.
But times (and tire technology) have changed. These days, all the major tire manufacturers offer LRR tires. You can find all-seasons, as well as summer and winter LRR tires in all the most common sizes.
Popular LRR tires include:
- Bridgestone Turanza Quiettrack: Grand Touring All-Season – 5 Years / 80,000 miles
- Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus: Ultra High Performance All-Season – 6 Years / 50,000 Miles
- Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max: Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season – 6 Years / 65,000 miles
- Michelin CrossClimate2: Grand Touring All-Season – 6 Years / 60,000 miles
- Michelin Defender T + H: Standard Touring All-Season – 6 Years / 80,000 miles
- Nokian WR G4 All-Weather: Three-Peak All-Season – 60,000 miles
- Pirelli Scorpion Winter: Light Truck/SUV Performance Winter/Snow – None
While efficiency varies from tire to tire, there is no federally-mandated rating system. Consumer Reports uses a dynamometer to measure rolling resistance.
Pirelli Scorpion Winter Tires deliver a winning combination: traction in the snow and efficiency when the roads are dry.
Low Rolling Resistance Tires Aren’t Just for Hybrids and Electric Cars
eBay Motors offers a wide selection of fuel-efficient LRR tires at competitive prices. Start by visiting eBay’s main tires page and look for the big blue button where you can enter your vehicle’s tire size. Then, a widget will take you through other tire specs.
You can also narrow your search by entering your vehicle’s year, make, and model. Also, you can indicate your preferred brand.
eBay’s competition selection can save you money on tires. But savvy shoppers don’t strictly look at the purchase price. The smart move is to consider the total cost of ownership. And here’s the bottom line: Fuel-efficient tires save money over time.
Saving an additional half a mile per gallon can add up to $200 or more over the life of the tires. That’s based on 60,000 miles in a 20 mpg vehicle, with gasoline at $3.50 per gallon.
