When you think about maximizing EV range, tires probably aren’t the first thing you think about. However, the way they meet the road can affect how much energy your vehicle needs to keep moving.

Here’s how tire alignment and balance can influence efficiency, tire wear and the range you get from each charge.

Tire alignment determines how the tires sit and point in relation to the road. When the geometry is off, a tire may be forced to scrub against the road rather than roll cleanly in the direction of travel. That raises rolling resistance, meaning the motor has to use more energy to keep your car going.

Rolling resistance already has an outsized role in EV efficiency. It has roughly three times the effect on range in an EV compared with a conventional combustion-powered vehicle. EVs convert a much larger share of their stored energy into motion, so losses at the tires can be a more noticeable part of the overall energy equation.

Misalignment can gradually take a toll on your tires. A car that drifts sideways, a steering wheel that refuses to sit straight or tread that disappears unevenly can all point to an issue with the wheel angles. Left unchecked, those problems can increase friction on the road and make each trip slightly less efficient. Regular alignment checks and tire rotations can help extend their useful life and preserve mileage, meaning you may get more distance before reaching for the charger.

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