Want Better Fuel Economy? Start with your Tyres.

June 5, 2025

Want Better Fuel Economy? Start with your Tyres.

When it comes to improving fuel efficiency in transport, the conversation often revolves around engine upgrades, route planning, or aerodynamics. But there’s one area that’s often overlooked- your tyres. 

Rolling Resistance 

Every time a tyre rotates, it pushes against the road. That resistance creates drag, which your engine must overcome using fuel. The higher the resistance, the more energy is required. 

That’s where low rolling resistance (LRR) tyres come in. Engineered with advanced compounds and tread designs, LRR tyres reduce friction and energy loss, helping trucks travel further on less fuel. In fact, reducing rolling resistance by just 10% can improve fuel efficiency by up to 3%, a small change with a big impact on long-haul operations. 1 

Tyre Pressure 

Under-inflation doesn’t just shorten tyre life, it also drives up fuel usage. Poorly inflated tyres create more drag, heat up faster, and wear unevenly, putting both your load and your budget at risk. A simple pressure check before each trip can go a long way.  

Tread Choice 

Choosing the right tread pattern isn’t just about traction, it directly affects how smoothly your vehicle rolls. 

High-traction treads are ideal for off-road or varied terrain but come with increased rolling resistance on sealed roads. 

Highway-optimised treads, on the other hand, glide more easily, reducing drag thereby enhancing your fuel economy. 

For mixed-use routes, consider hybrid treads that balance performance and economy. And keep a close eye on wear patterns, they often reveal hidden issues like misalignment or suspension problems that silently hurt fuel economy. 

Lighter Tyres 

Weight matters. A lighter tyre takes less energy to move but must still stand up to the demands of long-distance hauls. 

Modern tyre designs now use innovative materials that cut down on weight without compromising on strength. Lighter tyres mean reduced load on the engine and, ultimately, lower fuel usage over time, all while maintaining durability and load-bearing performance. 

 At Complete Tyre Solutions, we understand that the right tyres can really make or break your fleet’s performance. That’s why we offer bespoke services to help you find the perfect match for your fleet’s operational goals. 

Call us on 1300 509 575 to upgrade your tyres today. 

Related Articles

On Site Tyre Service at WA’s Busiest Ports

On Site Tyre Service at WA’s Busiest Ports

Servicing WA's Most Critical Ports - Forklift Tyre Solutions Wherever You Are  At Complete Tyre Solutions, we understand that time is money, especially at Western Australia’s busiest and most critical ports.   That’s why we’re dedicated to providing top-notch forklift...

Wheel Loader Experiencing a Tyre Emergency

Wheel Loader Experiencing a Tyre Emergency

Got a breakdown on-site? We’ll come to you. When your equipment is down, time is money. That’s why our on-site service is designed to get you back up and running quickly, without the need to transport machinery off-site or wait around for workshop availability. This...

OTR Tyre Breakdowns Happen. We’re Ready

OTR Tyre Breakdowns Happen. We’re Ready

Last week, our team responded to a tyre breakdown in Adelaide.   With the client's critical machinery out of operation and productivity at risk, Complete Tyre Solutions was engaged to deliver prompt on-site support.  In sectors such as civil construction and...