How to Buy Low-Rolling-Resistance Tires

How much can low-rolling tires save you in fuel costs?

You can save 2 to 4 mpg simply by choosing the right tires, experts say. Low-rolling-resistance tires cut down on fuel-wasting tire drag by tweaking the shape and chemical makeup of the tire rubber, among other things. If you're shopping for fuel-friendly tires, experts offer this advice:

• Fuel-saving tires may actually cost less than regular tires. For example, the top-rated fuel-efficient tire, the Continental ProContact EcoPlus (*Est. $95), costs $20 to $45 less than many other top-rated all-season tires.

• Don't choose a tire based on fuel savings alone. The best fuel-friendly tires (including the ones recommended in this report) manage to cut rolling resistance without sacrificing traction -- but others do give up some grip in the name of fuel economy, expert tests at TireRack.com show. ConsumerReports.org advises drivers to choose tires that grip confidently in tests, and use rolling resistance as a tiebreaker.

• You may not see fuel savings right away. That's because new tires -- even low-rolling-resistance ones -- put up more rolling resistance than older, worn tires.

• Keep your tires properly inflated. No matter which tires you choose, you'll lose mpgs if you drive with them under-inflated -- 0.3 percent for every 1 mpg drop in pressure, according to FuelEconomy.gov. Keep your tires inflated to the pressure your car manufacturer recommends. You'll find this in your owner's manual and on a placard on the car's doorjam or glove box (don't use the maximum pressure listed on your tire's sidewall).