# Tyre Knowledge
Fuel efficiency
How tyre maintenance influences fuel consumption
Your vehicle’s fuel efficiency depends on more than just your driving habits – your tyres play an important role as well. Over time, as tyres wear down, their rolling resistance decreases. The good news? Regular maintenance and choosing the right tyres can help mitigate these effects, saving both fuel and money.
Tyres are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road. Their condition influences how much energy is required to keep your car moving efficiently. A well-maintained set of tyres can improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and save money on fuel costs.
The science behind tyre wear and fuel efficiency
Every time your vehicle moves, its tyres encounter rolling resistance – the force required to keep them rolling. As a tyre rotates, it flexes and deforms against the road surface, leading to energy loss in the form of heat. This energy loss means the engine must work harder to keep the vehicle moving, thereby increasing fuel consumption.
Rolling resistance is a natural force, but it can be managed through proper tyre maintenance. When tyres are under-inflated or misaligned, the amount of rolling resistance increases, leading to increased fuel consumption.
Why tread depth matters
The deeper the tread, the better the tyre grip on the road. As the tread wears down, however, the tyre becomes more efficient, decreasing the amount of fuel needed to keep the vehicle moving.
In most regions, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm, but experts recommend replacing tyres once they reach 3 mm for optimum wet grip performance and safety.
The hidden costs of driving on worn tyres
While it may seem economical to use tyres until they are completely worn out, this often leads to higher long-term costs. Reduced road grip, shorter tyre lifespan and increased wear on other vehicle components can all drive up overall expenses.
Additional tyre factors that impact fuel economy
Tyre Pressure & Fuel Efficiency
Under-inflated tyres can significantly impact fuel efficiency. When tyre pressure drops below the car manufacturer’s recommendation, rolling resistance increases, making the engine work harder. Maintaining correct tyre pressure can save up to 3% in fuel costs. On the other hand, increasing the comfort inflation pressure by 0.4–0.5 bar reduces the rolling resistance of the tyre by about 10% and improves the driving stability of the vehicle.
Tyre Alignment & Rotation
Misaligned wheels create uneven tyre wear, which increases rolling resistance and fuel consumption. The life expectation is reduced too, so the recommendation is to adjust the wheel alignment in the event of irregular tyre wear. Regular tyre rotation ensures even wear and extends tyre lifespan. Poor alignment can lead to up to 10% more fuel consumption. Regular rotation helps maintain even wear and fuel efficiency.
Low Rolling Resistance Tyres
Not all tyres are created equal when it comes to fuel efficiency. Low rolling resistance tyres are specially designed to reduce energy loss, making them a smart investment for long-term fuel savings.
High-efficiency tyres can improve fuel economy by up to 9% compared to lower-rated models (EU Consumer Guide).
Reduce CO₂ emissions by hundreds of kilograms per year
Additional Consideration: Choosing the Right Tyre Compound
Summer tyres vs. all-season tyres: Summer tyres provide better fuel efficiency in warm climates, while all-season tyres are a more balanced choice for varying conditions.
Soft vs. hard rubber compounds: Softer compounds wear faster but offer better grip, while harder compounds last longer but may increase rolling resistance over time.
How to extend tyre life and optimize fuel efficiency
Extending tyre life not only improves fuel efficiency but also reduces long-term costs. One effective approach is to maintain the correct tyre pressure. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, thereby forcing the engine to work harder, and they are more sensitive to irregular tread wear. In order to ensure optimum performance, it is important to check tyres and pressure regularly – on a monthly basis and before long trips – and adjust tyre pressure to cater for increased load or speeds prior to setting off on a long trip.
Tyre rotation is good for even treadwear and better for fuel consumption. It is recommended every 5,000 to 10,000 km or when switching between summer and winter tyres. Proper wheel alignment also reduces unnecessary drag, enhancing efficiency.
Driving habits also play a significant role. Gentle braking, moderate acceleration and avoiding sharp turns can minimise wear and extend tyre life. Using nitrogen instead of air for inflation can help maintain more stable pressure, improving efficiency.
If only two tyres need replacing, it is best in most cases to install the new ones on the rear axle so as to maintain stability on wet roads and during cornering. For optimum handling and safety, all four tyres should ideally have the same tread pattern and grip behaviour. By adhering to these guidelines, drivers can optimise vehicle performance and reduce fuel costs.
The environmental and economic impact
Proper tyre maintenance isn’t just about fuel savings – it has a broader environmental impact, too. Poorly maintained tyres lead to increased CO₂ emissions, contributing to air pollution and climate change. Studies suggest that improving tyre care could significantly reduce global fuel consumption and associated emissions, especially in urban areas with heavy traffic.
From a financial perspective, maintaining tyres properly leads to substantial cost savings. Poor tyre maintenance results in frequent replacements and increased fuel expenses, while well-maintained tyres can save drivers up to €660 over the lifespan. Additionally, investing in tyres with low rolling resistance helps reduce fuel consumption and environmental impact, making them a smart choice for eco-conscious drivers.
By keeping tyres in good condition, drivers not only save money, they also reduce their carbon footprint, thereby promoting a more sustainable approach to driving.
Small tyre changes, big fuel savings
While it’s easy to overlook tyre maintenance, it does have a direct impact on fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability. By ensuring that your tyres are properly inflated, aligned and rotated, you can enhance fuel economy, reduce emissions and extend tyre lifespan – all while saving money at the pump.
Even small adjustments such as checking your tyre pressure or replacing worn-out tyres can result in significant savings and reduce your environmental footprint.