Bad tires can be as troublesome as bad credit. But there's a new buzz in the tire world: Low Rolling Resistance or LRR tires. What exactly are they? And how can they help your fuel efficiency? Read on for answers!
Rolling Resistance
This is something that has only recently been addressed, and few drivers know what it is. Rolling Resistance is the measure of energy lost from your tires’ friction against the road and a process called “hysteresis”. Hysteresis is the process in which your tire flexes under the weight of your vehicle and then snaps back in to shape as it makes its rotation. As much as 30% of the energy that makes it from your engine to your tires is lost to friction and hysteresis.
To correct this, the tire industry first tried stiff, heavy tires made with very hard rubber. While this saved some energy, the tires had very little grip. A new method, using silica and alternative oils, has led to tires that have very low rolling resistance, but still maintain a fairly good grip allowing you to have a much more pleasant drive.
To Buy or Not to Buy?
If you have a need for speed, these tires may not be the best for your driving style as they do require a long stopping distance and may not have the best grip, especially in wet conditions. However if you want to stretch your bottom dollar, you may want to just maintain your current tires until it comes time to change them. Here are a few ways to make your tires last a little longer:
- Check your air pressure once a month
- Make sure your tires are aligned properly
- Rotate your tires regularly
As We See It
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