Does your car drive better with new tires?
If you’ve ever experienced the thrill of driving a vehicle with new tires, you’ll know that it’s an entirely different experience altogether. New tires provide better handling, cornering stability, and steering response, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable ride. For example, larger tires decrease your fuel economy because they are heavier, while smaller tires increase fuel efficiency. Bigger tires also have a higher rolling resistance than smaller tires which means they require more resistance and effort to get them rolling.As mentioned above, wider tires usually increase fuel consumption. So, what about narrower tires? Narrower tires have a smaller contact patch, leading to less friction and lower rolling resistance with the road. The slimmer shape and less weight also help reduce wind resistance while driving.Larger wheels offer better traction, and because they have more rubber on the tire, this also means a better grip on the road. Larger tires are better for car cornering and handling than your regular tires. They also reduce the braking distance and improve braking overall, adding to safety.Installing tires larger than manufacturer recommendations affects gear ratios, causing the transmission to work harder. This leads to increased wear on the torque converter and transmission fluid overheating. Speedometer and ABS sensors may give inaccurate readings due to altered wheel circumference.
Do new tires need an alignment?
You should get a wheel alignment for your vehicle if you have just had new tires installed. Doing so is important so you can get the most out of your vehicle’s new tires. Technically speaking, it is not necessary to get a wheel alignment after getting new tires installed. However, it is a good idea to do so. Should you get an alignment with new tires? Yes! An alignment helps ensure your tires perform their best, last longer, and keep you safely on the straight and narrow.How long can I wait after getting new tires before an alignment? It’s best to get an alignment as soon as new tires are installed. Waiting too long can cause uneven wear on your new tires, reducing their lifespan and performance.
Should all 4 tires be replaced?
It is recommended to replace all four at once because your tires are key to the performance and handling of your vehicle, it’s important for them to be as identical as possible. If your tires don’t match, one end of your vehicle may not be able to respond as quickly as the other, making it difficult to control. Should I change tyres in pairs? Generally, it is advisable to switch tyres in pairs, which means replacing two tyres simultaneously, either on the front or rear axle.
Do tires affect gas mileage?
Achieving better fuel economy in your vehicle depends on a variety of factors, but it’s no question that your tires play a major role. In fact, 20% – 30% of fuel consumption and 24% of CO2 emissions from vehicles are actually tire-related. Decreased Fuel Efficiency This is because wider tires have more rolling resistance, requiring more energy to move. This increased resistance results in higher fuel consumption, even though the vehicle may appear to be moving more easily. Wider tires also tend to weigh more, which further increases fuel consumption.When the tyre pressure is too high, the tyre is less flexible, resulting in a smaller contact patch with the road. This can lead to increased rolling resistance, which means the engine has to work harder to move the vehicle, leading to higher fuel consumption.Car tyre pressure plays a vital role in safety, fuel efficiency, and overall driving comfort. Most cars require 32–36 PSI, but the exact level depends on the model, load, and weather. Underinflated tyres increase fuel use and wear unevenly, while overinflated ones reduce grip and ride quality.No, for most cars a tire pressure of 40 psi is too high. You might find 40 psi suitable for some vehicles, especially if they’re carrying heavier loads or if the manufacturer’s recommendation is close to that figure. However, it’s generally too high for most passenger cars, which usually recommend between 30-35 psi.