When you think about hybrid cars, what comes to mind? If you’re like most individuals, the first thing that you might consider is fuel efficiency. And with good reason – hybrids are some of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the road today.
But there’s more to hybrids than just great gas mileage. We’ll look at what type of tires hybrid cars need and why. We will explain everything you need to know about hybrid car tires so you can make the best decision for your vehicle.
Low Rolling Resistance
Hybrid cars are unique in many ways, and one of those ways is the type of tires they need. Most hybrids use a kind of tire called low rolling resistance (LRR) tires. These tires are designed to diminish the energy lost as heat when the tire rolls. This helps improve fuel economy because it takes less energy to move the tire forward.
Consider the Climate
When choosing tires, it’s important to consider the climate you’ll be driving in. If you live in an area with tons of snow and ice, you’ll need a tire to handle those conditions. All-season tires are a good option for most drivers because they offer good traction in various situations. If you live in a warm environment, you might want to consider a tire with a lower tread depth. This type of tire will wear down more quickly on warm, dry roads, but it can help improve fuel economy because it has less rolling resistance.
Hybrids Need Heavier Tires
Hybrids tend to be much heavier than traditional gas-powered cars. It means they need tires that can handle the extra weight. Choose a tire with a load index rating at least two levels higher than the manufacturer recommends. If you’re not sure what load index rating to choose, ask a tire expert at your local tire center. They can help you find the right tires for your hybrid car.
They Require Quieter Tires
Hybrids use electric motors to power the car, which means they’re much quieter than traditional gas-powered cars. That’s why it’s important to choose tires designed to be quiet. Many tire manufacturers make special “quiet” tires specifically designed for hybrids. These tires can help reduce road noise, making your hybrid even quieter.
They Carry Extra Weight in Sidewalls
The extra weight of hybrids comes from the battery pack that powers the electric motors. This weight is carried in the tires’ sidewalls, which means that hybrid tires need to be designed to support this extra weight. That’s why it’s important to choose tires that are rated for the excess weight of your hybrid car.
Winter Tires
Many hybrids come with all-season tires, but if you live in an area with cold winters and lots of snow, you may want to consider getting winter tires for your hybrid. Winter tires are designed to provide better traction in cold weather and snowy roads. They can help you keep your hybrid moving even when the roads are icy.
Lynn Layton Ford, serving Harvest, AL, is the perfect dealership service center to purchase new hybrid tires for a few reasons. First and foremost, we offer an outstanding selection of makes and models to choose from. Secondly, our car technicians are knowledgeable and passionate, meaning they’ll be more than happy to help you find the right set of new tires for your hybrid car.
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