Fuel-Efficient Tires

Fuel efficiency is subjective to each tire brand’s individual definition and standards for “fuel-efficient tires.” Since there’s no industry standard for the engineering principles that attempt to promote fuel efficiency in tires, tire manufacturers set their own bar for what they believe provides enough efficiency to satisfy their customers on the road. How well these tires improve fuel economy and mileage depends on your unique driving style, vehicle, and road conditions.

Any potential increase may be too subtle for drivers to register on a day-to-day basis. At most, drivers of internal combustion engine vehicles may experience an average of 2% to 4% improvement in fuel economy, while drivers of electric vehicles may get a 10% increase in EV range. (Note that these statistics come from tests conducted in lab environments with fixed conditions and may not reflect real-world driving conditions.)

Not sure where to start searching for fuel-efficient tires? Try our Tire Decision Guide to see our recommendations.

Low rolling resistance (LRR) tires are designed to require less force or energy in order to maintain forward motion at speed. These tires typically feature thinner sidewalls, shallower tread blocks, and specialized rubber compounds to reduce resistance, allowing the tire to rotate using less power. As a result, low rolling resistance tires are generally considered more fuel-efficient, benefiting both gas and electric-powered vehicles.

Yes, air pressure can greatly impact how your fuel-efficient tires perform. Underinflated tires create more friction, increasing rolling resistance and making it harder to complete a full rotation. This increased resistance forces your vehicle’s engine or power source to use more power to stay mobile, potentially reducing fuel economy up to 5%. Tire air pressure can fluctuate for multiple reasons: sudden temperature changes, small punctures, or even over time as you drive. That’s why it’s crucial to regularly check your tires and ensure they’re properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure settings.

To ensure the best performance from your fuel-efficient tires, Tire Rack offers a wide selection of inflation accessories from top-rated brands like Dill, Intercomp, VIAIR, and more.

New tires are less fuel-efficient due to their deeper tread patterns and increased weight, generating more friction and resistance as they roll. As a tire wears over time, its rolling resistance gradually drops by 20% as it loses its original tread pattern. Fewer distinctive features in the tread also mean a loss of rubber material, making the tire stiffer and lighter to where less energy is required to complete rotation.

Even if replaced with the same exact brand, size, and type of tire, it’s likely drivers will experience a 20% increase in rolling resistance switching from old to new tires. The automotive industry only estimates a 1% to 2% decrease in fuel economy for every 10% increase in tire rolling resistance. Therefore, drivers may see little to no significant impact in fuel economy when it's time to visit a tire shop and replace their tires.

Ready for new tires, but not sure where to start? Explore Tire Rack’s array of unbiased tire test videos, consumer reviews, and other resources to get started!

Tire Rack carries a wide selection of fuel-efficient tires that fit many trucks and SUVs. Paired with larger vehicles, fuel-efficient tires can reduce the amount of energy required to start and maintain mobility, cutting down drivers’ fuel expenses at the pump. This benefit also applies to extending the range and recharging time for electric vehicles.

From Street/Sport Truck Summer tires for drivers of high-torque electric SUVs and pickup trucks to more aggressive Off-Road All-Terrain tires, there are multiple categories of truck tires and SUV tires to choose from. Due to the heavy-duty construction and aggressive tread patterns of large all-terrain tires, drivers may notice higher rolling resistance and reduced fuel efficiency than a performance or all-season tire. How well your fuel-efficient tires perform heavily depends on not only your performance category but also your individual driving style, vehicle, and road conditions.

To a degree, certain fuel-efficient tires are designed to reduce fuel consumption and support the environment. Some fuel-efficient tires have been designed to lower rolling resistance, cutting down the amount of fuel needed to move and creating less carbon pollution in the air. These tires are especially useful for electric vehicles to improve energy usage and extend their EV battery range.

However, other manufacturers’ tires are considered “fuel-efficient” because of how the tires are produced. In such a niche market, tire brands try to stay competitive by implementing more eco-friendly practices, advanced technologies, and sustainable materials into their tires. From using plant-based rubber tread compounds and non-aromatic oils to zero-landfill manufacturing, there are numerous definitions for what counts as a fuel-efficient tire in today’s market.

Yes, eco-focused tires are designed to be fuel-efficient. These tires are built using the same low rolling resistance technology that most fuel-efficient tires feature, such as optimized tread patterns, specialized rubber blends, and lightweight construction. What makes eco-focused, or eco-friendly, tires different is how they may be made using recycled or natural materials to support environmental sustainability.

Eco-focus also isn’t limited to what the tires are made with; manufacturers may also label a tire “eco-friendly” or “fuel-efficient” if they practice sustainability during production, or contribute part of their revenue towards environmental causes, such as reforestation. Tires that utilize environmentally conscious materials or manufacturing methods can be identified by using the “Eco Focus” filter in our search results or looking for the “Eco Focus” footnote on individual tire product detail pages.

When you’re ready to get a new set of fuel-efficient tires, choose from one of Tire Rack’s 10,000+ independent Recommended Installers across the country for convenient tire installation that works within your schedule. For added convenience, select locations can also opt for our Mobile Tire Installation service for tire delivery right where you are.