Car geek question

[vettecat]

When I got my summer tires put on, the mechanic told me that winter tires cause higher gas consumption. But he couldn't tell me why, aside from thinking it was somehow related to the wider treads. Now I'm curious. Anyone know?

Comments

[michelel72.livejournal.com]

Grip/rolling resistance is probably one factor. I think "winter tires" are designed to be "stickier" -- to "grip the road better" -- which requires the car to expend more energy to push the vehicle forward. My Prius has specially designed Low Rolling Resistance all-weather tires as one of several factors meant to decrease fuel consumption (which is the only reason I know anything about the subject) ....

[vettecat.livejournal.com]

That makes perfect sense. Low-resistance tires probably mean it doesn't corner as well, but most Prius buyers probably don't care about that.