Designers look to tires to save fuel

Car companies spend millions of dollars trying to improve the fuel efficiency of their cars but one of the simplest and most effective methods often overlooked is the addition of low-rolling resistance tires. Designers are just waking up to the fuel-saving tire, with brands like Volkswagen, Audi and Fiat launching new ultra-efficient models equipped with the special rubber. Peugeot has recently joined the group, equipping several models within its new 308 range with low-rolling resistance tires from Michelin, reports Automotive News.

The tires create less friction than normal, which results in lower fuel consumption and correspondingly low CO2 emissions. Other methods developers are looking at to save fuel are weight reduction programs, more efficient drivetrains and new hybrid powerplants. However, at the end of the day swapping to the new fuel-saving tires is the most cost effective technology.



According to Michelin, the low-rolling resistance save about 0.2L of fuel per 100km and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 4g/km. The specials tires aren’t available at tire resellers as yet but Michelin expects to make them available by next year.