Even with huge technological leaps in engine efficiency over the past 30 years, you still might not be getting anywhere near the advertised MPG because of one often-overlooked detail.
Ultimately, tyres are what connect your car to the road, and while many people are aware that their tyres might improve grip and braking distance, some people are not aware that it has a direct impact on fuel efficiency.
Two people driving the same car in the same way might experience very different MPG, and it could be down to the tyres. But why? Read on to find out…
4 ways tyres affect fuel consumption
We’ve established that tyres can affect fuel consumption, and this happens in several ways.
Rolling resistance
Deeper, chunkier tread patterns can increase the energy lost through tyre flex and deformation as the tyre rotates, which raises rolling resistance. Manufacturers often offer dedicated low-rolling-resistance tyres with shallower, optimised tread patterns designed to improve fuel efficiency.
Tyre pressure
As we mentioned, underinflated tyres cause excessive rolling resistance, but an overinflated tyre can also affect MPG directly. While overinflated tyres can improve MPG, this is outweighed by increased wear and other safety risks, which over time decrease MPG.
Tyre size
When a car is manufactured, manufacturers run strict tests to determine the optimal tyre size to account for drag, rolling resistance and power transfer to the road. Deviating from this tyre size can decrease MPG.
Tyre tread
Tyre tread affects MPG primarily through the tyre’s construction and compound. Adequate tread depth remains critical for safety, particularly in wet conditions, so it’s typically not recommended to replace tyres solely to chase MPG gains.
Can a fuel additive help with fuel consumption?
A fuel additive like Redex Petrol Power Booster or Redex Diesel Power Booster can help to improve MPG. These additives increase the combustibility of the fuel to improve power. This power increase leads to improved MPG because less fuel is required to accelerate and maintain power.
Redex Diesel System Cleaner and Redex Petrol System Cleaner can also improve MPG by improving the efficiency of your engine. Over time, deposits build up on components like fuel injectors, making them less efficient. These system cleaners help to remove the deposits, increasing the health and efficiency of your engine.
Other tips to improve fuel economy
On top of additives, some simple tips can drastically improve fuel efficiency when driving.
Regular maintenance on the vehicle
Regular maintenance on your vehicle can improve MPG drastically. From checking tyre pressures to replacing oil, it all adds up. While an MOT checks the general safety of your car, a service should be carried out regularly.
Interim services should be carried out every 6 months or every 6,000 miles, a full service every year or 12,000 miles and a major service every 2 years or 24,000 miles. A major service is a comprehensive check and replacement of fluids and components like spark plugs and engine oil that can drastically improve MPG.
Lighten the load
Driving with an excess load decreases MPG. While it might be necessary to carry a load at times, it might be time to take out that soil you picked up last summer to improve your MPG.
Plan your journeys
A journey might be two minutes faster, but cost you slightly more due to decreased MPG. Over time, particularly with commutes, this small decrease adds up. With modern mapping technology, the Satnav or Maps app you use will suggest routes that either prioritise speed or MPG. To keep more money in your pocket, you might be best setting off slightly earlier and choosing the fuel-efficient route.
Air conditioning/heating
Air conditioning, in certain conditions, is a must. It helps to demist windscreens and keeps you cool, but it isn’t magic. Air conditioning units use electricity, which is provided indirectly by the engine. This extra load can decrease MPG. If you don’t need it, turn it off to save fuel.
With a few top tips, you can increase your MPG by a healthy percentage. For more top tips, check out the Redex blog.