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Most people don't realize that having the right tires can improve fuel savings. But it's true. And you probably haven't paid enough attention to the tires you have on your vehicle. If you don't know a lot about tire efficiency, you're not alone. Most people don't know that they are adding to their driving expenses by choosing tires that deliver poor fuel economy. There's not a lot of information available about tire efficiency. And its difficult to know how to make your choice. Hopefully, this will be soon be recified, because the federal government has decided that tire manufacturers must start labeling tires for fuel efficiency. This program would create a national labeling system that would rate the energy efficiency of tires. Like so many programs, it is taking a long time to implement. Consumer watchdogs say that manufacturers are trying to slow down the process, but the companies claim they are moving as fast as they can to research and develop tires that are more fuel-efficient. The good news is that tires are much more efficient today than they were in 1975. Rolling resistance, (the power that is lost as rolling tires flex and change shape), has been reduced by as much as 50%. Radial tires have greatly improved tire efficiency, and there have been many advances in tread patterns and the use of new, lighter rubber compounds. But tire efficiency can still vary greatly, and fuel economy can be affected. Experts hope the mandated minimum standards will help reduce the amount of gasoline used in the US by billions of gallons. Although you won't be able to figure out which tire offers the best fuel efficiency until the minimum standards are put into place, you can use these Department of Motor Vehicle tips. Make sure you inflate your tires according to the manufacturer's psi specifications. You'll find that you can improve your mileage by keeping your tires properly inflated. Don't test the pressure in a hot or cold tire. When you're replacing tires, consider purchasing the same brand and model that came as original equipment on your car. Auto manufacturers know that new cars will be thoroughly tested and rated by consumer magazines, right down to the performance of the tire, so they're usually careful to choose the most efficient tire possible. Stick with regular sized wheels. Oversized wheels and rims are much heavier, and wider tires cause more friction. Your fuel efficiency will suffer. Don't replace tires until you have to. Worn tires are actually more efficient than brand new ones. Turn a penny so that Lincoln's head is upside down, and then stick the penny in the groove of the tire tread. If you can see the top of his head, it's time to replace the tires. Fill tires with air, and not nitrogen. There is no conclusive proof that nitrogen improves either tire wear or mileage, so it's not worth the cost. If you see that the tire tread is uneven, take your car in for servicing to determine the problem. You could have alignment, balance, or parts issues. Don't buy rain tires in a dry climate. Off-road tread or water-shedding can burn more fuel. Buy snow tires in a cold climate to improve efficiency. Now you've learned how choosing the right tires can save you money and improve your fuel efficiency. As gas prices continue to increase, you'll want to learn even more gas saving tips.
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Joan Yankowitz will show you ways to save gas and increase your car's MPG by at least 25-40% or more by hypermiling.
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