You are not an exception if you want better mileage. Most drivers desire to have a car with optimum mileage. They even make some essential steps like checking the engine, AC, and fuel quality. These steps are indeed good for car mileage. But you will help your car provide better mileage if you check your tyres as well. You believe it or not, but your tyres play a big role in your car’s fuel efficiency.
According to experts, the right Car Tyres Birmingham**** save fuel and the wrong tyres waste it. If you want good mileage, buy suitable tyres and maintain them for a long time.
In this blog, we will discuss some most common things about fuel efficiency and tyres.
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What is Mileage?
Mileage means how much distance your vehicle covers using a little fuel. If your car has good mileage, it means it covers more distance using less fuel. Good mileage of a vehicle saves money.
Driving conditions surely affect the fuel efficiency of a vehicle. Moreover, your tyres also play an important role in your car’s fuel efficiency.
Rolling resistance and fuel efficiency
When your tyres roll on roads, different forces resist their movement. This is called rolling resistance. If tyres roll on roads with high rolling resistance, the engine needs more power to push the car's tyres on the roads. In this condition, the car engine consumes more fuel. Tyres with low resistance will use less fuel because they do not create pressure on the car engine.
Importance of tyre type
Tyres do not offer the same features. Some offer better grip, and some others provide better comfort. Moreover, tyres come with better mileage as well. If you want to save fuel, you have to consider tyres with low rolling resistance. Tyres with low resistance run on roads smoothly. As a result, they keep the car engine comfortable and use less fuel. It means you save fuel and money.
Air Pressure in Tyres is also a Big Factor
The rule is simple. Low air pressure means the use of more fuel.
Low air pressure is not a good sign for fuel efficiency. Underinflated tyres flatten and run on roads with a larger contact area. This increased surface makes it harder to move on the surface. As a result, higher rolling resistance increases the pressure on the car engine. The car engine then consumes more fuel, to disturbs the fuel efficiency.
The solution to this problem is simple: check the air pressure and keep it at the recommended level. You will find the specifications in your user manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door.
High air pressure would not help
Just because low air pressure is bad for fuel efficiency, we shouldn't conclude that over-inflation is good for it. More air does not mean better mileage. Rolling resistance drops a bit, but your safety level reduces at the same time. Therefore, stick to the correct air pressure for optimum performance of car tyres, including fuel efficiency.
Tyre Size and Mileage
Bigger tyres look attractive but they reduce car mileage. They need more power to roll on roads because of their size. Moreover, they make the car heavier. This is also a reason for reduced fuel efficiency. Increasing the width of a tyre also disturbs fuel efficiency because of more friction.
Do not worry about the tyre size because your carmaker has specified it in your user manual. You just need to follow the instructions. Do not experiment.
Fuel efficiency and Tread Design
Deep tread patterns are good for off-road conditions and wet roads. But at the same time, they increase rolling resistance.
If you drive mostly in normal conditions in a city or on highways, choose tyres with a simple tread pattern. These tyres roll smoothly with low rolling resistance.
Follow the golden rule. If you want improved mileage, your tyres should roll on roads with less effort.
Old or Worn-Out Tyres Hurt Mileage
Maintain your tyres and keep them in good condition. Old and worn tyres are not good for car mileage. Old and worn tyres lose their grip and do not maintain the correct shape. Moreover, cracks, cuts, and bulges reduce their strength. Therefore, these tyres do not roll smoothly on roads.
Fuel efficiency and Alignment
Misaligned tyres also do not roll straight on roads. They drag slightly to one side. Incorrect angles create pressure on the car engine and affect the fuel consumption.
Visit a car service center to check your wheel alignment every 6000 to 8000 km.
Fuel efficiency and balancing
Fuel efficiency depends on wheel balancing as well. Uneven weights in the wheel-tyre units create imbalance. Therefore, your tyres do not roll on roads smoothly. Balanced tyres move freely and keep the fuel efficiency at the correct level.
Proper maintenance improves fuel efficiency
If you maintain your tyres, they will serve your driving needs. Moreover, well-maintained tyres provide better fuel efficiency.
Check your tyres regularly and inflate them according to the specifications. Moreover, do not be late to check tyres for issues like wheel alignment and balancing. These little steps will improve your fuel efficiency.