Which Tire Is Better for Fuel Efficiency? Guide to Best Fuel Efficient Tires

The “fuel efficient tire” term is commonly attached to many modern tires. The idea of saving gas money with your tires may not sound likely, but it’s no fantasy. The key concept here is low rolling resistance.

Several USTMA (US Tire Manufacturers Association) reports suggest that low rolling resistance tires boost fuel economy by 1% to 2%. This might not sound like much, but it could save you hundreds of dollars over the life of your tires. 

These are the tires featured in this post:

• Bridgestone Ecopia EP422
• Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 PLUS
• Continental CrossContact LX20
• Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max
• Michelin Energy Saver A/S
• Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season
• Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus

What is a Tire Fuel Efficiency Rating?

A tire fuel efficiency rating ranks tires based on their impact on fuel economy. The rating system goes from class A to G, where A is the most efficient tyre and will save you fuel. Tires with low rolling resistance, such as the Michelin Energy Saver A/S, are designed to enhance fuel economy. Maintaining tire pressure at around 40-44 psi can also improve fuel efficiency. Always opt for low rolling resistance tires to achieve better fuel savings and performance.

Low Rolling Resistant Tires + Fuel Efficiency

When we speak of fuel-efficient tires, we’re primarily talking about those with low-rolling-resistance technology. Tire rolling resistance is the amount of energy your vehicle must deliver to your tires to keep moving at a constant speed across the road’s surface.

But as tires spin, the part of the tire in contact with the road deforms before returning to its relaxed state. This is known as hysteresis, which occurs when the energy required to deform a tire is larger than the energy needed to return it to its previous shape. This energy is dissipated as heat, which contributes significantly to rolling resistance.

Do you remember pedaling a bicycle when you were a child and one tire was underinflated? That is an example of hysteresis. You had to work harder to keep the bike moving. That’s because hysteresis creates more rolling resistance.

Pros of LRR tires

Tires with low-rolling-resistance technology use tread design and innovative materials to reduce the amount of energy (gasoline, fuel) required to move the automobile, making them fuel efficient.

Why not overinflate your tires to reduce rolling resistance and boost fuel efficiency, some of you may be thinking? The best answer is that over-inflated tires reduce ride quality and safety. The higher the tire pressure, the less contact between the road’s surface and your tires. That leads to less traction and more difficulty braking and shoddy cornering, especially when the road is wet. Instead of trying to outsmart science, it’s best to use technology to your advantage. That’s where fuel-efficient tires come into play.

Cons of LRR tires

One of the cons that comes with LRR tires is that they offer slightly less grip, which can make a difference on cornering. For everyday drivers who make turns at normal and safe speeds, this shouldn’t be a major concern. You’ll also have to ensure that your LRR tires are properly inflated, as this is key to realizing the most fuel efficiency.

How to Find Fuel-Efficient Tires on Tire Agent

To find a list of low rolling resistance tires for your vehicle, from any page on Tire Agent, look for your vehicle’s make, model, year and body type.

In the filters section, select Filter & Sort >> Additional Benefits >>  and select Fuel Efficient.

View the recommended tire makes and models that are fuel efficient.

Lowest Rolling Resistance Tires

This is just a highlight of tires brands that offer low rolling resistance LRR tires, which you’ll find on Tire Agent.

Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 and EP422 Plus 

The Ecopia EP422 and Ecopia EP422 PLUS are Bridgestone’s fuel efficient and environmentally conscious tires. These all-season touring tires are designed to have good water resistance and traction in slippery conditions while still maximizing fuel efficiency at all times. 

• Starting at: $160.99*
• Warranty: 70k-mile warranty
• Noteworthy: Nano Pro-Technology to improve fuel efficiency and recycled rubber to lower CO2 emissions during manufacturing.
• Sizes: 15”, 16”, 17”

Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max

Goodyear’s Assurance Fuel Max is an excellent choice for those who need traction in all weather conditions yet still wish to save on fuel. 

• Starting at: $159.94*
• Warranty: 65k-mile warranty
• Noteworthy: Wide tread grooves to reduce the risk of hydroplaning while still having excellent traction on dry roads.
• Sizes: 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”

Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season and Verde All Season Plus for SUV/CUV

For an all-season option that has reduced rolling resistance, consider Pirelli’s efficient Scorpion Verde All Season or Scorpion Verde All Season Plus. This tire has been engineered for reduced road noise, greater fuel efficiency, and more control in inclement weather conditions. 

• Starting at: $179.63*
• Warranty: 65k-mile warranty 
• Noteworthy: Excellent all-weather performance! Lateral grooves are designed to flush water away, and inner block sipes improve winter traction.
• Sizes: 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”, 21”, 22”

Michelin Energy Saver A/S

The Energy Saver A/S is Michelin’s most fuel-efficient tire. It is well suited for those looking to lower CO2 emissions from a tire that is stable and durable.

• Starting at: $197.61*
• Warranty: 65k-mile warranty
• Noteworthy: This tire uses MaxTouch construction, which makes the tire contact more evenly with the road, leading to up to 65 gallons of saved fuel over the tire’s lifetime. 
• Sizes: 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”

Continental CrossContact LX20 (ECO Plus Technology)

The CrossContact LX20 is a fuel saving tire for light trucks and SUVs from Continental. It is designed to save fuel for your light truck, SUV, or crossover. It performs impressively in any weather conditions.

• Starting at: $255.39*
• Warranty: 70k-mile warranty
• Noteworthy: This fuel efficient tire comes with a manufacturer’s roadside assistance and road hazard protection package. It also features one of Continental’s quietest tire designs for low road noise. 
• Sizes: 20”

Other Fuel Efficient Rated Tires Worth Considering

In addition to the LRR tires listed above, these budget-priced tires carry fuel efficiency ratings:

• Continental ContiProContact (60k-mile warranty, road hazard protection, roadside assistance, fuel efficient rating, starting at $128.47/tire)
• Crosswind HP010 Plus (50k-mile warranty, fuel efficient rating, starting at $68 per tire)
• Laufenn by Hankook S FIT AS (45k-mile warranty, road hazard protection, fuel efficient rating, starting at $110 per tire)
• Otani EK2000 touring all season (fuel efficient rating, starting at $69 per tire)
• Radar DIMAX e-TOURING-1 (45k-mile warranty, road hazard protection, fuel efficient rating)
• Waterfall Eco Dynamic PCR (45k-mile warranty, fuel efficient rating)

‘Are LRR Tires Worth It’ & Other Questions Answered

Do tires affect gas mileage?

Yes, but the amount is generally measured over the lifetime of the tire rather than between gas tank fill-ups. The rolling resistance of a tire is directly related to how much energy (or fuel) your vehicle needs to expend to get your tire moving. Tires with low rolling resistance don’t require your vehicle to work as hard, and therefore will require a little less fuel. 

Are fuel-efficient tires worth it?

Yes. LRR tires require less energy from your vehicle, and this improves fuel efficiency. This can have a serious impact on your fuel efficiency over the lifetime of your tire, especially if you do a lot of highway driving. 

Which tire is best for fuel efficiency?

More specifically, which tire style is most fuel efficient for your vehicle type? Here’s a quick guide:

• SUVs and crossovers: Go with CUV/SUV touring tires
• Compact and sub-compact cars: Go with passenger tires
• Minivans and sedans: Stick with touring and grand-touring tires
• Light trucks: Look for highway touring tires  

Why do fuel efficient tires cost more?

Fuel efficient tires use special rubber compounds and construction to have the lowest road resistance possible. The result is usually a tire that has a pretty impressive tread design, low road noise, and great all-weather performance … but also higher cost. Fuel efficient rubber costs more than a “normal” all-season tire.

Before buying, take a look at your driving habits and see if you often drive in high-speed situations like the highway, where low rolling resistance tires will save you the most amount of gas possible. The gas mileage you save over the lifetime of the tire may end up being worth the extra cost of a new set of fuel efficient tires!

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