Does the grip of a tire affect gas mileage? Let's examine three different tests we ran this past summer and see what the data suggests:
**Tested on 205/55-16**
The High Performance Summer tires will produce higher skid pad results, which leads to having better grip. As you can see though, the gas mileage difference is nominal at best. The increase we saw with the High Performance All-Season tires could easily be attributed to the smaller tire size.
In conclusion, if you are looking at performance tires for your sports car you need not be too concerned about gas mileage savings. Start your search and look for grip qualities that fit your needs.
| Ulltra High Performance Summer Tires | MPG |
| BFGoodrich g-Force Sport | 26.4 |
| Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval Indy 500 | 27.0 |
| Kumho Ecsta SPT KU31 | 27.3 |
| Yokohama S.drive | 27.8 |
**Tested on 225/45-17**
| Ultra High Performance All-Season Tires | MPG |
| Dunlop SP Sport Signature (W&Y) | 26.0 |
| Pirelli PZero Nero All Season | 26.4 |
| Sumitomo HTR A/S P01 (W) | 26.5 |
| Yokohama AVID ENVigor (W) | 26.1 |
**Tested on 225/45-17**
| High Performance All-Season Tires | MPG |
| Firestone Precision Sport | 27.7 |
| Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S | 28.4 |
| Sumitomo HTR A/S P01 | 27.8 |
| Yokohama AVID ENVigor | 28.7 |
The High Performance Summer tires will produce higher skid pad results, which leads to having better grip. As you can see though, the gas mileage difference is nominal at best. The increase we saw with the High Performance All-Season tires could easily be attributed to the smaller tire size.
In conclusion, if you are looking at performance tires for your sports car you need not be too concerned about gas mileage savings. Start your search and look for grip qualities that fit your needs.
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