Chris Rodinis
http://local.dexknows.com/what-are-green-tires/
Green tires are not actually green but I guess they could be. Since this blog is about reducing and green practices, today we are covering “green tires.” As with all of life’s expenses, automobiles are no exception to the “let’s try and save some money rule.”
One way to save money concerning automobiles is to spend less on gas. On way to save on gas is to drive the speed limit and avoid quick starts and stops.
Another way to save on gas is by mounting green tires onto your car.
If you have never heard of these, and I am one of those, a car or tire dealer should be able to help you with information and a purchase. In the meantime, this post can give you the basics.
We are calling them green because of the benefits, however, they have been known in the industry for years as “low rolling resistance” tires. Might as well start a new acronym here and call them LRR tires.
The LRR’s perform better when graded on gas mileage or better said, will help you consume less gas for the same amount of travel.
Now just so you know this will not cut your gasoline bill in half or even close to half. They will however reduce your gas expense. Reducing is what this blog is all about and a penny saved is penny earned so here is a brief explanation of the science behind green tires.
How exactly does this type of tire reduce the miles per gallon rating for your vehicle?
Rolling Resistance
The key to understanding how green tires work is understanding a principle known as rolling resistance.
First consider that your tires accomplish two very important functions on your vehicle which are 1) gripping the road (as opposed to sliding across the road); and, 2) absorbing shock impacts from driving over potholes and speed bumps.
So the shock absorption is made possible by the flexing of the tire sidewalls which can be compared to a spring made of rubber that contracts and expands based on the load.
You can see how this would happen by noticing that your tire sidewalls at the top are straight and at the bottom they curve.
This is because one quarter of the total weight of the vehicle is individually carried by each single wheel and tire.
As your tires rotate, the tires, or more specifically the sidewalls, are constantly straightening and bending. Tire rubber is very strong and this back and forth movement requires energy.
The tire “gripping” the road also requires a transfer of energy.
Amidst all this transfer of energy, the spinning tire is continually “pulling away” from the road surface.
Combine the “gripping” and “springing” and you have made what is known as “rolling resistance.”
Naturally you need some rolling resistance to stay on the road and not be bounced or slide off the road! However, the more traction or “stickiness” you have, the more horsepower is required to maintain your speed.
Green Tires For You?
Here is a short list of tires that require less energy when turning: “Ecopia from Bridgestone, the Energy Saver A/S from Michelin, and Goodyear’s Assurance Fuel Max.”
“All are made from specially formulated rubber compounds that use less energy as they roll.”
Now let’s cut to the chase; how much money will be saved when using green tires?
The short answer is $400 over one to two years (the average tire lifespan) or the long answer is that it depends. It depends on how well you drive; meaning driving over the speed limit and frequency of quick starts and stops.
Of course the savings also depends on the current cost of gasoline in your local area.
You might not want to switch to green tires immediately, however, the next time your vehicle needs tire replacement, green tires are worth considering.
Accordingly, market research has shown these tires are comparably priced which means there is no extra upfront cost.
So are green tires a good fit for you? Just so you know “more fuel-efficient tires tend to offer slightly less wet grip.”
So if you drive in hurry a lot or like a bat out of hell than you probably need more “grip” than better MPG(miles per gallon), so green tires are not for you.
If you like saving money and driving cautiously and safely (usually a good idea) then yes green tires are for you.
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