| Vol. 6 | No. 2 | Spring 2004 |
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Dialogue
I bought a new car that has low rolling resistance tires. How are these different from regular tires? |
Along with an efficient engine, good tires help vehicles go farther on a gallon of gas. Low rolling resistance (LRR) tires move more easily on the road, improving a vehicle's fuel economy by an average of three percent. LRR tires also meet the same federal standards for treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance as regular tires, making them a smart and simple way to save money at the gas pump.
LRR tires come as a standard feature on most new vehicles, but may be harder to find as replacement tires for your current car. Though information on rolling resistance is not printed on tires, most tire shops should be able to give you the information if you ask. LRR tires are available from most major tire manufacturers, including Michelin (e.g., the Energy MXV4 Plus) and Goodyear (VIVA 2). These tires cost $5 to $12 more per set than regular tires, but pay for themselves in less than a year through fuel savings.
This past fall, UCS helped pass legislation in California that will require replacement tires sold in the state to be at least as efficient as the tires supplied with new vehicles. The law also requires that rolling resistance data be made easily accessible to anyone purchasing these tires. We hope this standard will be adopted nationwide as well. For more information on LRR tires, visit the Green Seal website.
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