Found another way to save on gas.

[basjoos]

My approach has been to go up one tire size (from 165/70/13 to 175/70/13) and then to increase tire pressure to (from 44 to 55 psi) to deliberately try to cause the tires to rise up in the center to reduce the tread width actaully in contact with the road to the same width that I had with the smaller tire size. My results have been that, while I am getting the same MPG that I got with my smaller sized tires, I am getting MUCH improved cornering and braking performance. I suspect the lateral loading of the sidewalls while cornering or braking is causing the tread to flatten out and putting the entire width of the tread in contact with the road during these events. All I know is that the car now stops is a very short distance and that it is practically impossible to lock up my tires while braking on dry pavement. And I have added 10 to 15 mph to my cornering speeds, thus preserving that oh so important kinetic energy while negotiating curves (its also a lot more fun!).