The fuel economy of truck tires has been an area of interest for the drivers in recent years. With a sharp rise in the use of trucks for transportation and in oil prices, different ways to conserve fuel have been explored.
Specialized fuel efficient truck tires have shown overwhelming success, leading to mass production by various brands. Studies suggest that users can expect a decline in fuel consumption by 1.0 to 4.0%.
Thus, these tires are game changers for truck drivers that have to cover long distances with a limited quantity of fuel hence we consider them a worthwhile investment. Here is a list of our top picks of fuel efficient truck tires:
The 4 Best Fuel Efficient Truck Tires:
- Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus (Editor’s choice)
- Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology
- Michelin Energy Saver A/S
- Michelin Defender LTX M/S
1. Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus (Editor’s choice)
Our top pick, the most fuel efficient truck tire out there…
Pros:
- Saves considerable fuel
- Suitable for all seasons
- 50,000 Miles limited treadwear warranty
- Low noise
- Comfortable ride
- Impressive wet handling
- Available in all sizes
Cons:
- Tad expensive
Bridgestone is known for providing premium quality tires to its customers. This particular model is the one that takes adaptations to the extreme to squeeze extra miles out of the last drops of fuel.
The Ecopia tire series was designed to be compatible with all weather conditions, and this one is no exception. It is manufactured to be quiet, comfortable and smooth in driving thus almost perfect for commercial or long durational uses.
The tread pattern is unique in its design, with a tread depth suitable for minimizing heat production and maximizing tread life. The decreased heat production makes this tire particularly economical in terms of fuel consumption and increases tread life as a plus.
The tire consists of deep grooves that are meant for water evacuation, making this tire easy-to-maintain. Moreover, it has a block design that is optimized for improving braking on wet roads. Also, it has been equipped with features that provide all-season performance.
I scoured the internet for the best price and Priority Tire is the one that is able to offer the lowest price on this tire so I recommended them for you.
2. Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology
Premium light truck/SUV tire…
Pros:
- Premium ride quality
- Good load capacity
- Wet and snow capable
- Great looks
Cons:
- Pricy
The CrossContact LX20 features a center rib that not only enhances load capacity but also increases durability. This is backed up by a warranty claim of 70,000 miles by Continental.
This tire is considerably quiet and vibration-free which we have come to expect from every Continental tire. The ride quality is simple supreme.
One unique feature is that out of all fuel efficient tires on the list this one has the best wet braking distances and the best snow performance. This is enabled by four large evacuating channels, multiple lateral grooves and open shoulder slots.
All of these aspects make this tire a true all-rounder. This tire would have been at the top of the list, if not for the price which is a bit high, in my opinion. This partly justified by the supreme ride quality and brand panache, though.
3. Michelin Energy Saver A/S
Up to 8% fuel savings!
Pros:
- Fuel efficient
- Vibration free
- Adequate wet performance
Cons:
- Noisy
- Bad grip over snow
Michelin claims that this tire will give up to 8% additional fuel savings if your drive a fuel efficient car. And the best thing is that it is not a one-trick pony.
This tire provides adequate comfort and performance. The noise production, however, is a bit unacceptable. This affects the ride comfort overall. The tire does redeem itself through really impressive impact absorption.
Michelin chose an asymmetric tread design for this one to improve the braking performance. This also aids in the wet performance as well. The grip over snow is not adequate, from my experience.
The trick to the enhanced fuel efficiency is a silica-based compound that keeps the tire cooler under most conditions. Furthermore, the design has been computer-optimized to squeeze more miles out of fuel.
4. Michelin Defender LTX M/S
Just another superb tire from Michelin!
Pros:
- Long wear life
- Comfortable to ride
- Saves fuel
- Comes with 60-days satisfaction and 3-year flat tire assistance
- Performs well in wet conditions
- Available in all sizes
Cons:
- Expensive
- Difficult to balance
A worthy successor to the popular Michelin LTX M/S, this M+S rated tire from Michelin is one of their most appreciated products and is well-liked by the customers.
The Defender LTX is beautifully designed and provides an aesthetic look to the vehicle. In addition, it is built with supreme quality materials that provide it with a long wear life.
The tire is comfortable and provides a smooth, uniform ride. If comfort and low road noise is up there on your priority list, there is no alternative to this, even on this list The tread is designed critically, which allows it to perform exceptionally well in snow and in wet conditions.
The tread of this tire is meant to be effective in saving fuel. The tread depth promotes low rolling resistance, and the materials used prevent excessive abrasion. These factors decrease the heat that is emitted during the ride.
As a result, about 65 gallons of fuel can be saved over the life of this tire. And when you factor in the fact that Michelin offers a 70,000 miles warranty on the thing; this tire is that insanely technologically advanced.
Buyers Guide – How to pick the most fuel efficient truck tire?
The fuel efficiency of a tire is the result of its various properties. Especially important determinants are the design, manufacture and material of its treads, and the construction of the casing.
Also, newer tires tend to be more fuel efficient. We delve into greater detail on the matter in the article: Do new tires improve gas mileage?
Picking out the best fuel efficient tire for your truck, or any other vehicle, can be a cumbersome task. Therefore I have compiled a few factors that you must consider when buying a truck tire for fuel economy:
1. Tread Design:
Tread design is one of the key factors that determine the amount of friction that occurs between the road surface and the vehicle during driving. If there is increased friction, more heat is produced and thus, more fuel is consumed.
Performance tires or sticky tires tend to do that and will hurt your gas mileage. So it would be best to avoid them if getting the most miles out of your tank is your top priority.
2. Tread Materials:
The material with which the tread is built also affects the fuel consumption. If you want to prevent wastage of fuel, it is important to look for tread made of material that can resist abrasion, and wear evenly.
This decreases the energy generated, and less fuel is consumed in the process. Moreover, it also helps in increasing the life of the tire.
3. Quality:
Even though it is a no-brainer, one should always keep an eye on the quality of materials that have been used in manufacturing the tire. Tires with premium quality raw materials prevent excessive, uneven wearing thus maximizing gas mileage.
Also, newer, more innovative tire technologies certainly help. They are able to decrease fuel consumption without suffering much in the grip department.
4. Tire Size:
Picking the right tire size is crucial for its adequate functioning. It is very important to know the right size of tire for your vehicle, and look for that.
An excessively large tire will hurt gas mileage, no matter what, because of more friction. A size too small poses the risk of slippage and endangers the lives of the occupants.
If you are searching for fuel efficient tires for your SUV, head out to our article: Best SUV Tires for Fuel Economy
