Tire Care for Better Fuel Economy

Tire pressure, alignment, tire size and wear all affect how much fuel your vehicle uses, and most of them are easy to check yourself.

The Connection Between Tires and Fuel Economy

The rolling resistance of your tires affects how much energy the engine needs to keep the vehicle moving. Tires at the right pressure, with even wear and good alignment, keep rolling resistance down.

Tire Pressure and Fuel Efficiency

Tire pressure is the tire-related factor you can most easily control. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, so the engine works harder and burns more fuel. Transport Canada notes that driving with just one tire underinflated by 56 kPa (8 psi) can shorten that tire's life by 15,000 km and increase fuel consumption by 4%. Check your tire pressure monthly and keep it at your vehicle's recommended pressure; our tire pressure guide explains how.

Rolling Resistance and Tire Design

Low rolling resistance tires are designed to improve fuel economy. They use rubber compounds and tread patterns that reduce the energy needed to roll. When shopping for new tires, ask about fuel-efficient models.

Tread Depth and Fuel Economy

Judge tread depth on safety, not fuel economy. Worn tread loses grip on wet and snowy roads, so replace tires when they reach the limits in our tread depth guide.

Wheel Alignment and Fuel Efficiency

Proper wheel alignment lets your tires roll straight without unnecessary friction. Misaligned wheels make the tires drag or scrub against the road surface, which increases rolling resistance and fuel use. Have your alignment checked annually or whenever you notice uneven tire wear.

Tire Rotation for Even Wear

Regular tire rotation keeps wear even across all four tires, so they last longer. Rotate your tires as your owner's manual recommends, or about every 10,000 km; see our tire rotation guide.

Tire Size and Fuel Economy

The size and weight of your tires directly affect fuel economy. Larger, heavier tires need more energy to accelerate and keep up speed. When replacing tires, stick to the manufacturer's recommended size unless you have a specific reason to change; oversized tires may look appealing, but they increase fuel use.

Seasonal Tire Considerations

In Ottawa's climate, seasonal tire changes can affect fuel economy. Winter tires typically have higher rolling resistance than summer tires, so fuel use can rise slightly in winter, but the safety benefits of proper winter tires far outweigh that. Use the right tires for each season, and store the off-season set properly (see our tire storage guide).

Driving Habits and Tire Efficiency

Your driving habits can maximize the fuel economy benefits of well-maintained tires:

• Smooth Acceleration: Gradual acceleration reduces tire stress and improves efficiency
• Consistent Speed: Steady speeds use less fuel than repeatedly speeding up and slowing down
• Proper Loading: Avoid overloading your vehicle, which increases tire stress
• Route Planning: Minimize stop-and-go driving when possible

Monitoring Fuel Economy

Track your vehicle's fuel consumption to see the effect of tire maintenance. Use the trip computer, or work it out at each fill-up: litres used ÷ km driven × 100 = L/100 km. Compare the figure before and after tire maintenance, rotation or replacement.

Professional Tire Services

At QuickStop Tire Ottawa, we do tire rotation and wheel balancing, and we set the air pressure in all tires with every tire change and wheel balancing. We can also recommend fuel-efficient tires that suit your driving and Ottawa's climate.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Fuel savings from tire care depend on how far you drive and what you pay for fuel. Properly inflated, evenly worn tires also last longer, so tire care saves money on replacement tires as well as on fuel.

In short: keep your tires at the pressure on the door placard, rotate them on schedule, have the alignment checked if wear looks uneven, and stick to the recommended tire size.

Sources: Transport Canada: Riding on Air.

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