Your tires can affect your fuel economy or EV range more than you might think. Every time they roll down the road, some of the energy moving your vehicle is lost to rolling resistance — and the more energy your tires waste, the more your engine or electric motors have to compensate. But efficiency isn’t the only thing your tires need to deliver.
Let’s dive into the nuances of rolling resistance: what it means, what causes it, and whether switching to low-rolling-resistance tires is a good choice for you.
What Is Rolling Resistance and What Causes It?
Put simply, rolling resistance is the force that works against your tires as they roll down the road.
It happens because a tire isn’t perfectly rigid. As it rolls, the tire’s casing and rubber continually flex where the tire meets the pavement. This tire deformation takes energy, so the more your tires flex while you drive, the more work your engine or electric motor has to do to keep them rotating.
Several factors affect how much rolling resistance your tires have. Tire construction, tread design, vehicle weight, road surfaces, and tire pressure are among the most common. Here’s a quick rundown of how each affects rolling resistance:
- Tire Construction: A tire constructed from stiffer materials and harder rubber often has a lower rolling resistance than one made to be soft and sticky. That said, rolling resistance is only one part of a complex equation, and tire manufacturers have to balance efficiency with traction, comfort, and durability.
- Tire Width: Traditional wisdom says that wider tires typically create more rolling resistance than narrower ones. However, at certain sizes and compositions, the opposite may be true; some recent research on bicycle tires shows that a wider tire can, counterintuitively, have lower rolling resistance than thinner ones. Ultimately, car tires and bicycle tires have vastly different forms, functions, and requirements to meet, so tire width is merely a factor, not necessarily a determiner, of overall rolling resistance.
- Tread Design: Tread pattern, depth, and compound can all affect rolling resistance. In general, deeper or more flexible treads, like those found on all-season tires, can result in more energy loss, though tread depth alone doesn’t determine how efficiently a tire rolls.
- Vehicle Weight: Typically, the more load that’s put on a tire, the more rolling resistance it has. As such, lighter vehicles tend to create less rolling resistance than heavier ones.
- Road Surfaces: Road texture and condition can affect rolling resistance. Smooth, hard surfaces, like concrete, may cause less rolling resistance than grippy, flexible ones like asphalt.
- Tire Pressure: Proper tire pressure is important because both underinflation and overinflation can create rolling resistance concerns. Underinflated tires generate excess heat, may wear more quickly, and increase fuel consumption, while overinflated tires can reduce traction, put unusual stress on a tire, and lead to uneven tread wear. Maintaining the manufacturer's recommended pressure provides the best balance of safety, tire life, handling, and fuel efficiency. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual, the driver’s-side doorjamb sticker, or the tire manufacturer’s specifications for the appropriate tire pressure.
Are Low-Rolling-Resistance Tires Worth It?
Yes, low-rolling-resistance (LRR) tires can be worth it — especially if fuel economy or electric vehicle (EV) range is a priority. By reducing the energy your tires lose as they roll, they can help your vehicle use less energy to maintain speed. Over thousands of miles, that can result in major savings in your gas budget, or less time on the charger.
Why LRR Tires Make Sense for EVs
If you’re an EV owner, you have even more reason to consider LRR tires. EVs are typically heavier than their combustion-powered counterparts, which puts more load on their tires and increases rolling resistance. EV-specific, low-rolling-resistance tires are designed to account for that added weight while simultaneously reducing wasted energy.
Do Low-Rolling-Resistance Tires Have Tradeoffs?
Reduced rolling resistance has traditionally required compromises elsewhere. Traits that help a tire roll efficiently — like stiffer construction, lower-energy-loss compounds, or less tread deformation — haven’t always lined up with the traits drivers want for maximum traction, a cushioned ride, and long tread life. In other words, for a long time, improving one side of the equation could mean giving up something on the other.
Fortunately, tire technology has come a long way in recent years. Nowadays, many manufacturers use advanced rubber compounds, tread designs, and casing materials to reduce rolling resistance while still delivering strong wet and dry traction, good ride comfort, and solid durability. That doesn’t mean every LRR tire will perform exactly like a conventional tire. After all, tire design is still a balancing act. But it does mean that drivers have more and better options than they once did.
Who Should Consider Low-Rolling-Resistance Tires?
So, are low-rolling-resistance tires worth it? For many drivers, yes. They make particular sense for:
- Commuters who rack up a lot of miles
- Hybrid owners looking to squeeze more efficiency from every gallon
- EV drivers trying to get the most range from a charge
If you’re already shopping for a new set of tires, now could be a great time to swap from conventional road tires to LRR tires.
Looking for Low-Rolling-Resistance Tires? Tires Plus Has You Covered
Whether you're looking to maximize fuel efficiency, extend EV range, or simply find the right balance between comfort and performance, the right tires can make a big difference. The tire technicians at your local Tires Plus can help you compare your options and choose the best fit for your vehicle and driving habits. Schedule an appointment today!
FAQs About Tire Rolling Resistance
Do Low-Rolling-Resistance Tires Improve Gas Mileage?
Yes. Low-rolling-resistance tires can minimize energy loss due to tire flex, potentially improving fuel economy. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that a 10% reduction in rolling resistance can improve fuel efficiency by 1–2%. Your tires aren’t the only thing that affects your gas mileage, though, so if your car is suffering from low fuel economy and you’re wondering why, read our article, “Why Has My Car MPG Suddenly Dropped?”
Do Low-Rolling-Resistance Tires Affect Traction?
They can, since LRR tires often have a smaller contact patch to reduce rolling resistance. But choosing efficient tires doesn’t automatically mean giving up traction entirely. While past limitations in tire technology often meant trading traction for lower rolling resistance, many modern tires test well in efficiency while still maintaining good grip, handling, comfort, and durability.
Are Low-Rolling-Resistance Tires Good for Electric Vehicles?
Yes, they can be. EVs are typically heavier than comparable gas-powered vehicles, which increases the load on their tires and contributes to rolling resistance. EV-specific tires can help combat that increased load, and EV LRR tires can further reduce energy use and improve range.
How Can I Reduce Rolling Resistance Without Buying New Tires?
Start with tire pressure. Inflating your tires to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure can help minimize unnecessary rolling resistance (and prevent uneven tire wear). In fact, U.S. Department of Energy test results show that you can increase your gas mileage by 0.6%–3% simply by keeping your tires properly inflated. Proper alignment and regular tire maintenance/rotations can also help your tires roll more efficiently.
Do Low-Rolling-Resistance Tires Last As Long As Regular Tires?
Ultimately, it depends on the tire. Some low-rolling-resistance tires may have shorter tread life than long-wearing conventional tires, especially when efficiency is prioritized through tread design and tread-depth choices. However, modern LRR tires can still deliver good durability, so lower rolling resistance doesn’t always mean you’ll replace your tires sooner.
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Article Development Supported & Reviewed By:
Tires Plus’s Technical Operations Team
The Tires Plus’s Technical Operations Team is composed of ASE certified technicians with over 70 years of combined experience. ASE certification represents the highest standard of technical training in the automotive industry. Guided by Tires Plus's rigorous editorial standards, our team delivers timely, detailed, and practical resources drivers can trust to keep their vehicles running newer, longer.
