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If you’ve been shopping for tires, seen the term rolling resistance, and wondered what it is and why it matters, we’ve put together everything you need to know.
What is tire rolling resistance?
As tires rotate, they constantly stretch and bend from the weight of your vehicle and everything you’re carrying (passengers included.) This movement and weight creates friction between your tires and the road, causing resistance.
Tire rolling resistance is the amount of energy needed to keep your tires rolling straight and steady. The lower the rolling resistance, the less energy is needed to move your vehicle, which equates to better gas mileage, fewer trips to the pump, and saved time and money.
What makes tires with low rolling resistance different?
Tires that provide low rolling resistance have the following characteristics:
- Thinner sidewalls
- Shallower tread
- Firmer construction
- Lower weight
It’s important to note that new tires generate more rolling resistance than worn tires simply because they have more tread. Since rolling resistance drops over time—about 20% overall throughout a tire's lifetime—your miles per gallon will fluctuate as your tires age.
An easy way to reduce rolling resistance
Even if you’re not currently in the market for new tires, you can make a large dent in your vehicle’s rolling resistance by:
- Removing any unnecessary items from your vehicle to reduce its weight
- Keeping your tires properly inflated. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if a tire with a recommended pressure of 35 psi drops just 8 psi, it will experience a whopping rolling resistance increase of 12.5 percent.
Need help choosing tires with low rolling resistance? No problem. Click the button below to schedule an appointment at your nearest Big O Tires store.
