How To Save With Fuel Efficient Tyres

When car tyres rotate and move along the road surface, they cause energy loss which impacts fuel economy. This brings us to the topic of fuel efficient tyres as those with lower rolling resistance can help you save, especially since car tyres can account for up to 20% of your fuel consumption.

What Are Fuel Efficient Tyres?

Fuel efficient tyres are also referred to as energy-saving tyres or eco-friendly tyres. Regardless of the name, they are specially designed to use less fuel and emit lower emissions. The most fuel efficient tyres have the lowest rolling resistance which results in better fuel economy and lower levels of energy loss.

With the increasing cost of petrol and diesel, fuel efficient tyres are becoming increasingly popular as more motorists are looking for ways to reduce the running costs of their vehicles. The question is, are fuel efficient tyres worth the money? If you are looking to buy new cars tyres, continue reading to find out how the right tyres could help you save money on petrol and tyre replacement.

How Do Fuel Efficient Tyres Work?

Since tyres need energy to roll in the direction of travel, rolling resistance is the natural response. The way fuel efficient tyres work is to reduce rolling resistance which cuts down the energy required to drive on them. Tyre manufacturers typically achieve lower rolling resistance by doing the following:

• Design more rigid and aerodynamic tyres
• Create rubber compounds that can minimise internal movement
• Design tread patterns that promote more efficient roll

Are Fuel Efficient Tyres Worth The Cost?

Absolutely. Fuel efficient tyres will not only benefit the driver but also the environment. From a driving perspective, you can get more out of your car in terms of mileage thanks to the lower rolling resistance. As such, energy-saving tyres could save you up to 440 litres of fuel over the tyre’s lifespan. Go on, work it out based on the current fuel price and you’d be surprised just how much you can save.

As previously mentioned, fuel efficient tyres also emit less harmful emissions which is good news for the environment. That means energy-saving tyres are the most eco-friendly option by some margin. At Elite Garages, we have a wide selection of budget tyres (economy tyres), mid-range and performance tyres. Contact your nearest branch to find out more about fuel efficient tyres.

Is It Safe To Buy Cheap Tyres?

Cheap tyres are safe provided you choose the right brand and source it from a reputable supplier. In essence, cheap tyres are budget or economy tyres which are ideal for people who travel less often and mostly shorter distances. For those who embark on longer journeys and travel frequently, we’d recommend a good quality mid-range tyre or premium tyres.

As David Johnson from Michelin stated, “High quality tyres can save money and lives. Premium tyres may cost a bit more, but they can last significantly longer than budget tyres and they help your car consume less fuel.”

Recommended: What’s The Difference Between Economy, Mid-Range and Premium Tyres?

How To Identify Fuel Efficient Tyres

On the surface, fuel efficient tyres look just like any other type of tyre but each set should have a label stating it has a fuel efficiency grade. In fact, this has been a legal requirement for all tyres sold within the EU since 2012. The label grades the tyre in three categories, namely:

• Fuel efficiency and rolling resistance
• Braking and wet grip: How quickly does the tyre stop the car in wet conditions?
• Exterior noise: How much noise is emitted when driving

All tyres are rated between A – E with A being the most fuel efficient whilst E-rated tyres are the least economical. Most energy saving tyres should have an A or B rating as indicated in the image below.

Should I Buy Part-Worn Tyres?

While budget tyres are perfectly fine for limited use, the one thing you should never do is buy part-worn tyres. No matter what the seller promises, there are no guarantees that the part-worn tyres are safe. It’s easy to understand why many people consider part-worn tyres as they appear to offer value for money but in reality, they are nothing more than a false economy.

While many people still buy part-worn tyres, most of them are illegal. Since you are effectively buying second-hand tyres, they may not have sufficient tread which can result in less traction and poor braking ability, increasing the required stopping distances. Part-worn tyres are incredibly dangerous to you, your passengers and all road users. For more information, please read Part Worn Tyres: A False Economy.

How To Make Tyres Last Longer

As with everything else today, the price of tyres has increased which means it’s becoming increasingly important to extend their lifespan. Whether you are driving on premium tyres or fuel efficient tyres, you can make them last longer by doing the following:

• Regularly check your tyre pressure to help reduce wear and tear while increasing fuel efficiency. To find the correct pressure, check your owner’s manual or the label inside the driver’s door
• Check your tyre tread at least once every 6 months, depending on how much you drive
• Book a wheel alignment to reduce tyre wear while improving steering response and overall handling
• Avoid braking hard or accelerating too fast and follow good driving habits

All Elite Garages have wheel alignment centres with expertly trained staff and the latest equipment. We can also perform four-wheel balancing, alignment and tracking.

How Much Are Brand New Tyres?

When buying tyres from Elite Garages, we strive to deliver exceptional customer service while offering highly competitive prices. As such, our pricing is for fully fitted tyres which include the entire process of removing and replacing your old tyres. We also fit new rubber valves and perform a wheel balancing check to ensure the weight is evenly distributed. If you are looking for new tyres, here is a list of some of our most popular tyres and prices:

• 205 55 16 FROM £59
• 225 50 17 FROM £80
• 195 55 15 FROM £57
• 155 65 13 FROM £46
• 185 65 15 FROM £54
• 195 65 15 FROM £57
• 195 55 16 FROM £65
• 185 60 14 FROM: £51
• 225 45 18 FROM: £82
• 235 40 18 FROM £83

Please note that whilst the tyre prices are the same at all of our branches, they may be subject to change without prior notice. To find out more, contact your local Elite Garages tyre fitment centre.

Fuel Efficient Tyres At Elite Garages

With branches covering the south and southeast of England, you’ve come to the right place. From Bridgestone and Goodyear to Dunlop and Pirelli, we stock all types, including fuel efficient tyres from reputable brands, not to mention FREE tyre safety checks. To order your tyres online, simply visit our website and navigate to the Reserve Tyres page.