Promoting vehicle fuel efficiency usually draws connotations of hybrid engines and hydrogen fuel cells, but automakers aren’t only making their cars more efficient under the hood. “Green tires” are the latest trend aimed at reducing vehicle carbon emissions, and tire makers have their sights set on improving performance and making production more efficient. By reducing the amount of energy it takes to move tires and tailoring tires to better suit popular vehicles, tire makers are set on helping consumers at the pump and contributing to a more eco-friendly industry.
As tires lose their tread against the rigors of the road, they actually become more fuel efficient. Reduced resistance makes tires easier to move, thereby reducing the amount of energy it takes to accelerate a vehicle. Tire companies are pursuing reduced resistance as a way to increase fuel efficiency, but doing so without sacrificing performance is no easy task. Tires losing their tread also means less grip on the road. While high gas prices have consumers searching for energy-efficient solutions, tire makers know that safety is paramount.
With advanced rubber and innovative tread patterns, however, tire makers have found ways to reduce resistance while maintaining performance. According to Pddnet.com, applied mechanical engineering researchers with Elche University tested new tire band drawings and experimented with rubber mixes, finding that the most optimal rubber compound reduced rolling resistance between three and five percent.
Major tire makers are also experimenting with new rubber compounds. Ford selected fuel-efficient Goodyear tires for its 2013 Fusion models. The Assurance Fuel Max tires feature a fuel-saving tread compound, while maintaining performance in wet and dry conditions.
New Cars Mean New Tires
The surge to increase fuel-efficiency has led SUV enthusiasts to opt for a more economical option, and tire makers are expanding emphasis on a new class of vehicle. Crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) offer the ability to carry cargo or tote a family without breaking the bank at the pump.
“New vehicle sales have shifted dramatically from SUVs to CUVs over the past few years while truck volumes have stabilized as a percent of the total,” Bridgestone Americas product manager Rod Hutchinson told Moderntiredealer.com. “This is causing an increase in the demand for CUV-focused tires.”
These CUV-focused tires combine better fuel economy with a smoother ride and lower noise levels.
Get the Most Out of Your Tires
Drivers rolling on standard tires aren’t always out of luck when it comes to increasing fuel economy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drivers can improve their gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent by keeping tires inflated to the proper pressure. Rotating tires will cause the tread to wear evenly, prolonging the lifespan of your tires. Once it’s time to for a new set of car shoes, recycle the old tires and think about buying from a brand that considers fuel efficiency. You’ll be riding on the latest technology and catching a fuel discount.