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How To Choose The Best Tire For Your Hybrid Car
By Gregg Hall
Those who are unfamiliar with hybrid cars may not know that most come with new innovative tire designs. When replacing your tires on your hybrid car, you should stick with the low-rolling resistance tires. Those who own hybrid cars however know that these special low-rolling resistance tires are the best thing since the hybrid design itself. Consumers are definitely not the only ones with their eyes on the new low-rolling resistance tires however. Every major tire maker is getting in on the trend with new tires coming out frequently.
You may wonder what low-rolling resistance actually means. The name is a measurement of how tires roll on the road. If the tire rolls easily, then it is considered a low-rolling resistant tire. One benefit of these innovative tires is that they minimize the energy used by the tire. Tires use energy as heat in three different locations. First, there is heat between the tire and the road. Secondly, there is heat between the tire and the sidewall. Lastly, there is heat between the tire and the rim. The great thing about the low-rolling resistance tires is that they maintain traction, handling, and durability. When used with special suspension and brakes, they reduce resistance even more. The tires go through all of the approval standards of normal tires, so you can be sure they are safe to use.
Now that you know more about tires, you may wonder how they can make tires that reduce the energy usage. The answer is that tire manufacturers are using several different elements to create low-rolling resistance tires. First, they focus on the design of the tread. Different companies are using different designs, so you may seem many different designs coming to the consumer soon. After choosing a great design, they also choose lighter and stronger materials and reduce the sidewall to reduce flexing of the tire. The tires are made to run without air pressure. Most of them can still be used for up to 50 miles with no air pressure whatsoever. This is an amazing trait of these tires. With tires that can run without air pressure, you really have no need to carry around a jack or other tools for changing tires. You would have plenty of time to get to the mechanic shop or home before your tire would be useless.
Studies have shown that using low-rolling resistant tires on your vehicle can save on your
gas budget. These efficient tires are fitted for each vehicle, which in turn will make your vehicle run smoother and more efficiently. It is estimated that you can save up to 6% on gas usage when using low-rolling resistance tires on your car. When considering these tires, which tend to cost about $40 more than regular tires for a complete set, think about what you could save at the pump. You may be spending a little more when purchasing the tire set, but you will save more than you are spending in the long run.
Although these great tires can save you bundles, low-rolling resistance tires have had a few complaints. Some drivers don’t like the way they handle on the road. But most low-rolling resistance tires have great tread, if you are a wild driver, they may not be as great for handling. However, slow or cautious drivers have seen no negative change. It is more of a personal preference when it comes to how they handle.
Consumers are taking the benefits of the new low-rolling resistance tires very seriously. California has even passed legislation that requires all replacement tires sold in the state to be as efficient as tires on new vehicles, which are mostly low-rolling resistance tires. This is a huge step toward the low-rolling resistance trend. More states are considering legislation as well.
When looking for new tires for your hybrid, be sure to check out the low-rolling resistance options. It is likely that your old tires were low-rolling resistance tires, so you will be used to the features they offer, whether or not you knew about their benefits before. You may be spending a little more in the beginning, but you will make up the upfront cost in gas savings almost immediately.
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