For motorists who want to lower their vehicle's fuel consumption while giving it better traction, the latest generation of fuel-efficient tires allows them to have their cake and eat it, too, according to Consumer Reports.
“Our tests of a new generation of fuel-efficient tires found that they not only save gas but are also good all-around performers,” CR announced in its report on fuel-efficient tires in its July issue.
CR is the publication of Yonkers-based Consumers Union, a non-profit research organization.
The organization tested the fuel-efficient Cooper GFE and the Michelin Energy Saver A/S all-season tires and reported that both tires fared well, with the Michelin model having the lowest rolling resistance and performing well in dry and wet braking.
The Cooper tire's rolling resistance was not as low but it tested well in all-weather grip, hydroplaning resistance and emergency handling, according to CR.
The magazine advised consumers to choose tires “based on your driving style and the road conditions you commonly encounter. Use rolling resistance as a tiebreaker.”
In its overall ratings of all-season tires, based on safety-related tests, the Michelin HydroEdge topped the list, followed by the Michelin Energy Saver A/S, Hankook Optimo H727, Pirelli P4 Four Seasons and Goodyear Assurance TripleTred.
The Hankook and Goodyear tires ranked best for all-weather performance; the Michelin HydroEdge topped the list for best balance of three-season performance and long tread life; and the Michelin Energy Saver A/S was first for best balance of three-season performance and low rolling resistance.
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