Fuel Efficient Tyres Can Save You Money

As your car’s tyres rotate and move forward against the road, it causes energy loss. Tyres with high rolling resistance will use more energy, and more fuel as a result, while those with a lower rolling resistance use less energy and fuel. Tyres can actually account for up to 20% of your car’s fuel consumption.

Some tyres are designed to be more fuel-efficient, reducing your fuel consumption and costs. And, with fuel costs on the rise, these tyres are becoming increasingly popular as drivers look for ways to reduce the cost of running their vehicles.

But are fuel-efficient tyres worth the money? As the cost of living rises, read on to find out more about how buying the right tyres could help you save money on petrol.

What is rolling resistance?

Tyres need the energy to roll them in the direction you want to travel in. Rolling resistance is the force needed to keep your car moving at a particular speed. It is determined by the amount of friction applied to the tyres, which, in turn, determines how much energy and fuel are consumed.

Low rolling resistance means that less force is needed to keep the tyres moving, and less force is consumed.

What are fuel-efficient tyres?

Fuel-efficient tyres, also known as energy-saving tyres, are designed to consume less fuel and keep the tyre tread intact for longer.

They are manufactured using a special compound to minimise heat resistance on the road. This results in lower levels of rolling resistance, lower fuel consumption, and reduced fuel costs.

In addition to this, they are designed to be more rigid and aerodynamic, as well as have tread patterns that roll more efficiently.

How to know if tyres are fuel-efficient

Fuel efficient tyres don’t look visually different to any other type of tyre. However, each set should have a label that states its fuel efficiency grade. Since 2012, this has been a legal requirement for all tyres sold within the EU.

The tyre label grades the tyre in three categories:

• The fuel efficiency class – rolling resistance
• Breaking and wet grip – how quickly does the tyre stop in wet conditions?
• Exterior noise - the level of noise emitted when driving

Most tyres that are advertised as energy-efficient should have an A or B rating.

Tyre efficiency ratings

Tyres are rated on efficiency, based on the amount of energy lost when the tyre is rolling. Efficiency ratings range from Class A, the most efficient, to Class E, the least efficient. Between the classes, fuel consumption increases by approximately 0.1 litres for every 100km driven.

Until May 2021, the grading scale for efficiency ranged from A to G.

Can fuel-efficient tyres lower my fuel costs?

Yes. Choosing energy-efficient tyres will lower your fuel usage and, as a result, lower your fuel costs.

And the difference can be significant. The difference between an A-rated tyre and an E-rated tyre, for example, could be as much as £1721 over the tyre’s lifetime . Using a tyre fuel efficiency calculator online will help you see how much you could save by using tyres with a better efficiency rating.

Not only this, but fuel-efficient tyres will also reduce your carbon emissions, making your vehicle more eco-friendly too.

What are the best tyres for fuel efficiency?

There are a variety of fuel-efficient tyres available on the market, including the Bridgestone Turanza T005. This fuel-efficient tyre mixes NanoPro-Tech™ polymer into the high-silica-content compound to help maximise fuel efficiency. This helps the tyre to hold its shape for longer, preventing it from building up too much heat. As a result, it uses less fuel and saves you money.

Tips for saving more money on fuel costs

To get the most from your fuel-efficient tyres, follow these tips for more efficient driving:

• Check the pressure of your tyres regularly and ensure they stay at the recommended level.
• Regularly check your tyres for any signs of uneven wear. This could indicate a tracking or suspension problem, which may increase fuel consumption and costs.
• Try to avoid accelerating or braking suddenly
• Keep both your vehicle and your tyres well maintained.

Where to buy fuel-efficient tyres

We have over 600 centres across the UK, many of which are open 7 days a week.

Find out more about how you can improve the fuel efficiency of your car here or visit your local Kwik Fit Centre to find out more about fuel-efficient tyres.

Sources

Based on savings of 150 litres of fuel over a distance of 40,000 km at 1.15£ per litre (weighted average). The effect may change depending on the vehicle and driving conditions. Performance measured in accordance with the test method set in the regulation UN ECE R117