More SNOW on the way...How's your tires?

Proper tire applications for Hyundai vehicles during summer and winter driving conditions, as well as

the industry’s move toward the use of low-rolling resistance tires.

Having the right tire installed for the existing road and weather conditions is essential for a vehicle to handle correctly, achieve maximum fuel efficiency, and provide safety to its driver and passengers. Hyundai vehicles are equipped from the factory with all-season tires, with the exception of the Genesis Coupe GT which is equipped with high performance summer tires. The all-season tire is designed to provide adequate handling and performance for most driving conditions.

However, the handling characteristics of all-season tires diminishes dramatically in cold and snow/slush road conditions during the winter months. The high performance summer tire on the Genesis Coupe GT is not suitable or recommended for winter driving conditions.

It is estimated that up to 15% of a vehicle’s fuel consumption is used to overcome rolling resistance in the form of vehicle weight, aero-dynamic design, and tire friction with the road.

Low-rolling resistance tires enhance fuel efficiency by minimizing the resistance caused by the various aspects of the tire’s construction. They are engineered with slightly thinner sidewalls and low-rolling resistant tread compounds, most notably silica. They also have a lower tire weight and a more efficient contact patch between the tread and the road.

All these factors mean that low-rolling resistance tires improve a vehicle’s fuel efficiency over regular all-season tires by up to an estimated 5%.

Keep in mind the same is true for regular all-season tires as well. After all, Transport Canada maintains

its position that winter tires (designated with the mountain snowflake symbol ) are necessary on all wheels of a vehicle during winter driving months. When the temperature drops below 10°C rubber tread compounds on both regular all-season and low-rolling resistance all-season tires begins to stiffen. Even if

the vehicle is not driven in snow or ice, the more flexible rubber compounds in winter tires provides the

driver with increased traction at lower air temperatures.

Like regular all-season tires, in cold weather the rubber compounds used in low-rolling resistance tires become harder. In icy or snow covered road conditions, the shallower tread depth may result in a reduction of the tire’s ability to grip the road surface, particularly during heavy acceleration. When all factors are taken into consideration, low-rolling resistance tires are not suitable for all driving conditions in Canada.

Hyundai’s commitment to providing Customers with the best fuel economy possible is a multi-facetted approach. Engine technologies such as CVVT and direct injection, coupled with 6-speed transmissions and motor-driven power steering units, lighter suspension and engine components, low-rolling resistance tires, and aerodynamic vehicle designs all combine to ensure that Hyundai Customers are driving the most fuel efficient vehicles possible.

Please ensure your Customers are aware of the limitations and benefits of low-rolling resistance tires so that your

dealership can advise them on the best tire selection for the area in which they drive.

Regular all-season tires are made with tread patterns and carbon compounds which provide a balance of wet traction, dry traction, ride quality, road noise, and tread wear. This allows all-season tires to perform adequately on most road surfaces and in most conditions. Recently many auto manufacturers, including Hyundai, have made a move toward a new design of all-season tire known as the low-rolling resistance tire.