The impact of tyres on fuel efficiency

What Is Fuel Efficiency?

Fuel efficiency is all about how far your vehicle can go on a certain amount of fuel. In Australia, it’s usually measured in litres per 100 kilometres (L/100 km). The lower the number, the less fuel your car uses to cover the same distance, which is better for both your wallet and the environment. 

While your vehicle’s engine, weight, and aerodynamics all influence fuel efficiency, tyres are a key factor that can make a big difference. Tyres with high rolling resistance need more energy to move, which means your engine burns more fuel. On the flip side, tyres designed for low rolling resistance help reduce the amount of energy needed, improving your fuel economy. 

How Tyres Affect Fuel Consumption

If you want to save fuel, choosing tyres designed for low rolling resistance is a great place to start. These tyres are often marked with an “A” rating on the European tyre label, which means they’re among the most fuel-efficient options available. 

Rolling resistance is the energy it takes to keep your tyres moving at a steady speed on a flat surface. It’s influenced by things like tyre material, tread pattern, and how properly inflated your tyres are.

Tyres with high rolling resistance create more friction with the road, which forces your engine to work harder and use more fuel. For example, underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance because more of the tyre is in contact with the road. This not only reduces fuel efficiency but also wears your tyres out faster.

Why Tyre Pressure Matters

Keeping your tyres at the correct pressure is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve fuel efficiency. Underinflated tyres require more energy to move, which increases fuel consumption. Overinflated tyres, while they might slightly reduce rolling resistance, can lead to uneven tread wear, reduced handling, and safety risks.

Research shows that even a small drop in tyre pressure can have a noticeable impact on fuel consumption. For example, a 10% drop in tyre pressure can increase fuel use by around 2%. Over time, this adds up to higher fuel costs and more frequent trips to the petrol station. 

To keep your tyres performing their best, check your tyre pressure regularly and adjust it to the manufacturer’s recommended levels. This simple habit can save you money, improve safety, and extend the life of your tyres.

Choosing the Right Tyres for Better Fuel Economy

Tyres designed for better fuel economy can reduce rolling resistance, helping your engine work more efficiently and use less fuel. By understanding tyre labels, materials, and designs, you can make smarter choices that save money at the pump while maintaining performance and safety.

Understanding Tyre Labels 

When buying new tyres, it’s worth paying attention to the European Union tyre label, which provides useful information about a tyre’s performance.

Here’s an example of an EU tyre label and the information it contains:

1. QR Code linking to the European Product Registry for Energy labelling (EPREL)
2. Trade name/trademark of supplier
3. Tyre type identifier
4. Tyre size designation, load-capacity index, and speed category symbol.
5. Tyre class (e.g. C1, C2, or C3) - Indicates the type of vehicle the tyre is designed for.
6. Fuel Efficiency Rating (A to E) - Indicates the tyre’s rolling resistance, with “A” being the most fuel-efficient.
7. Wet grip (A to E) - Measures how well the tyre performs in wet conditions.

A tyre label as seen on a tyre.

If you’re looking to save on fuel, choosing tyres with an “A” rating for fuel efficiency is a smart move. While they might cost a bit more upfront, the long-term savings on fuel can make them a worthwhile investment.

Tyre Design and Materials 

Fuel-efficient tyres are designed with advanced materials and tread patterns that reduce rolling resistance.

These tyres often incorporate silica-based compounds in their rubber construction, which reduce energy loss as the tyre deforms and regains shape during motion. Silica improves the tyre's flexibility and grip while lowering heat build-up, a key factor in reducing rolling resistance. Additionally, some manufacturers use lightweight, high-strength materials in the tyre structure to further decrease energy demands without compromising durability.

The tread patterns on fuel-efficient tyres are also carefully designed to optimise performance. Unlike aggressive or deep treads found on off-road or all-terrain tyres, fuel-efficient tyres typically feature streamlined, shallower tread designs that reduce friction with the road. These patterns are often engineered to evenly distribute pressure across the tyre’s surface, minimising energy loss and wear. Specialised grooves and sipes are strategically placed to maintain traction and water dispersion without creating unnecessary drag.

Together, these advanced materials and tread designs allow fuel-efficient tyres to strike a balance between low rolling resistance, safety, and long-lasting performance.

Driving Habits That Save Fuel

While tyres play a big role in fuel efficiency, how you drive also has a huge impact. Adopting fuel-saving driving habits along with good tyre care can help you get the most out of your tyres and reduce your overall fuel consumption.

Sudden acceleration, hard braking, and frequent stops and starts all waste fuel. Instead, try to drive smoothly by maintaining a steady speed and anticipating traffic conditions. This not only saves fuel but also reduces wear and tear on your tyres.

Lighten Your Load 

Carrying unnecessary weight increases the load on your tyres, which means your engine has to work harder to move the car. Check your boot and remove any items you don’t need, like that spare set of golf clubs or heavy tools you rarely use.

Tyres and Four-Wheel Drives: What to Consider

Four-wheel drives are built for tough conditions and heavy-duty tasks, but they’re not always the most fuel-efficient vehicles. However, the right tyres and habits can make a noticeable difference.

All-Terrain vs. Highway Tyres

All-terrain tyres, commonly used on 4WDs, are designed for off-road performance and often have aggressive tread patterns that increase rolling resistance. If you mostly drive on paved roads, switching to highway tyres with lower rolling resistance can improve your fuel economy without compromising too much on performance.

Tyre Pressure for Off-Roading

When heading off-road, it’s common to lower your tyre pressure to improve traction on rough surfaces. However, it’s important to reinflate your tyres to the recommended pressure when you’re back on the road. Driving on underinflated tyres for long distances can significantly increase fuel consumption and wear out your tyres faster.

Regular Maintenance for Better Fuel Efficiency

Keeping your tyres in good condition is essential for maximising fuel efficiency. Here are a few maintenance tips to keep in mind: 

• Check Wheel Alignment: Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tyre wear and increase rolling resistance.
• Rotate Tyres Regularly: Rotating your tyres helps ensure even wear, which extends their lifespan and maintains performance.
• Inspect Tread Depth: Worn tyres can reduce grip and increase fuel consumption. Replace them when the tread depth gets too low.

By staying on top of tyre maintenance, you’ll not only save fuel but also improve safety and extend the life of your tyres. 

The Environmental Benefits of Fuel-Efficient Tyres

Improving fuel efficiency isn’t just good for your wallet — it’s also better for the planet. Lower fuel consumption means fewer carbon emissions, which helps reduce your vehicle’s environmental impact.

Many tyre manufacturers are also focusing on sustainability by using eco-friendly materials and recyclable components in their products. Choosing tyres that are both fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly is a great way to support these efforts while saving on fuel costs. 

Choosing the Right Tyres Matters

Tyres are a crucial factor in fuel efficiency, but they’re often overlooked. By choosing the right tyres, maintaining proper tyre pressure, and adopting fuel-saving driving habits, you can improve your vehicle’s performance and save money on fuel. 

For four-wheel drive owners, understanding the unique demands of your vehicle and selecting the right tyres can make a big difference in fuel economy. Combined with regular maintenance and smart driving habits, these changes can help you get the most out of your tyres and reduce your overall fuel consumption.

Whether you’re driving a car or a 4WD, taking care of your tyres is one of the easiest ways to improve fuel efficiency and make your driving experience safer, smoother, and more cost-effective.