How does tyre width impact fuel efficiency?

Tyre width and fuel efficiency

Fuel consumption and tyre width have a direct relationship. Knowing this helps you understand how your choices affect your running costs.

How width affects fuel use

Wider tyres cause a bigger contact patch with the road, which increases rolling resistance. Rolling resistance is energy spent by the engine to keep the tyre moving and the higher it is, the more fuel is needed to run the vehicle. The change of fuel consumption from a narrow to a significantly wider tyre is between 1 to 3 percent. For high mileage drivers, this is a huge number due to the mileage.

Ways to prioritise fuel use:

• Stick to standard width - For the best performance, use the tyre width suggested by the vehicle manufacturer.
• EU tyre label - Choose tyres with ratings A or B for fuel efficiency.
• Correctly inflated tyres - Underinflation increases rolling resistance and fuel consumption.
• Check wheel alignment - Misaligned wheels create drag, wasting fuel and wearing tyres unevenly.

At Tyres.co.uk, you are able to see the EU fuel efficiency label rating of the tyre, which helps you to easily compare tyres and choose the one best for your vehicle.