Mobility

Low-rolling-resistance tires: up to 6 percent fuel saving

Cyclist on urban bike lane at dawn, illustrative depiction of mobility tips category

Label A instead of C saves around 250 liters of fuel over the tire life.

$2-6 per week 5 min Updated 2026-04-22

Contents

  1. How to do it
  2. Common mistakes
  3. Bottom line

Not all tires are the same. Rolling resistance differs between A and C by up to 7.5%. This sounds small, but over your car's lifetime it's significant. At your next tire change, simply look for EU tire label class A.

Step by step

Rolling resistance describes how much force a tire needs to roll. Tire makers achieve lower values through special rubber compounds and tread geometry. A class A tire (low) needs less engine power than class C (high). The EU tire label shows this efficiency on a scale A–G. With class A, you save €100–150 over a tire set's lifespan (40,000–60,000 km).

Source: EU Tire Label, EU Regulation 2020/740: Class A vs. C shows 7.5% consumption difference

Step by step

  1. Read the EU Tire LabelEvery new tire has an EU label. Rolling resistance class is top right (A–G). Look for A, B, or C, D and up are less economical.
  2. Compare Class A vs. C PriceClass A tires often cost €5–10 more per tire but save significantly over 50,000 km. Calculate: +€40 purchase vs. €120 fuel savings.
  3. Check Seasonal Tires SeparatelyBuying winter and summer tires separately lets you choose class A for both. All-season tires offer compromises, class B is typical.
  4. Check Older TiresIf you still have older tires (pre-2012), their rolling resistance might be much higher. Switching to modern class A tires pays off.
  5. Compare Brands and TestsStiftung Warentest and ADAC regularly test tires. See which class A tires lead in safety and durability before buying.

Worked example

Before: Klaus drives with older class C tires: 40,000 km/year over 5 years, averaging 7.2 L/100km = 2,880 liters × €1.75 = €5,040 fuel cost
After: With new class A tires (-5.5%): 6.8 L/100km over same distance = 2,720 liters × €1.75 = €4,760. Savings €280, minus tire upgrade ~€40 = net +€240 gain

How much will YOU save with class A tires over 5 years?

Keywords and context

This tip is written for households that want to cut energy and cost-of-living spending concretely. It complements the other measures in the same category and has the greatest effect when combined with them.

mobilitysave energyhouseholdcut coststipefficiency
Share this tip

Found this tip helpful? Share it with someone you also want to help.

By Email WhatsApp Telegram

Frequently asked questions

Are class A tires less safe?
No. The EU label tests safety separately (wet braking). Class A only means: lower rolling resistance, not worse grip. Also check the wet braking rating.
Do class A tires last as long?
Yes, often longer. Modern rubber compounds are durable and expensive, so A tires cost more but also last longer (often 60,000+ km).
Does tire size matter?
Yes, larger tires generally have higher rolling resistance. If you can change size, stick with manufacturer specs for best fuel economy.
How do I combine this with other tips?
Effects stack: the more tips applied, the higher the saving up to a cap.

Related tips

1Mobility

Eco-driving: look ahead and save 10 percent

Shift up early, coast, brake ahead: eco-driving cuts fuel use by 8 to 15 percent.

2Mobility

Tire pressure: check every four weeks

0.3 bar below spec raises fuel use by up to 2 percent. Check every four weeks.

3Mobility

Carpool: split fuel costs three ways

Two passengers thirds your commute fuel cost.

From another category

This complements your strategy:

Heating Lower your thermostat 1 degree: 6% less heating costs Every degree of room temperature uses significant energy. If you lower your thermostat from 21 °C to 20 °C, most households save around 6% o

What will the next oil shock cost you?

Calculate your household's added monthly expense at 150 USD/barrel in 60 seconds.

Run the calculator