At an Efficient Diesel Workshop sponsored by the Columbia Williamette Clean Cities Coalition in Portland, OR, Alcoa Wheel Products detailed how aluminum wheels can improve fuel economy for trucks.

The firm said its 14-in. wide based aluminum wheel weighs 71 lbs., so a set of them used with wide-base “single” tires can save over 300 lbs. per axle as compared to the standard dual steel wheels and tires. That provides more than 1,200 lbs. in weight savings, while each wheel retains a maximum load rating of 12,800 lbs.

“Through the use of these wheel and tire combinations, fleets can experience fuel savings in the range of 3% to 7%,” said Curtis Samford, Alcoa’s global vp of marketing. “At this time of high diesel prices, those kinds of savings are a goal many fleets are trying to achieve.”

For more information visit www.alcoawheels.com