Rolling Resistance and Fuel Economy

Finding tires with low rolling resistance is a balancing act. In years past, tires with low rolling resistance improved fuel economy, but they didn’t always offer the best traction. Thanks to today’s technology and advanced rubber compounds, you can find tires that provide the endurance you need and the fuel efficiency you want.

How Rolling Resistance Affects Fuel Consumption

Rolling resistance is the physical drag of a moving tire. It’s measured by how much force a truck requires to make a tire roll. The more effort it takes, the higher the fuel consumption rate. Rolling resistance accounts for roughly 35% of fuel consumption in a commercial fleet.

Any effort to lower rolling resistance will improve your fuel economy, so you can drive further for a longer period. For example, a 1% improvement in rolling resistance can provide a 0.33% increase in fuel efficiency.

Factors That Influence Rolling Resistance

Application: Not all tires are created equal. Finding a tire that suits your job application can improve rolling resistance, fuel economy and irregular wear.

Tread pattern: Tread has a significant impact on its rolling resistance. A good tread pattern won’t disrupt the direction of a tire’s rotation. Tighter tread blocks don’t give as wider patterns. They provide better traction, less sidewall deflection and more efficient fuel consumption.

Tread compounds: Low hysteresis rubber will control rolling resistance. Hysteresis is the difference between the amount of energy tires absorb as they stretch and the energy they release when they go slack.

Tire inflation: Underinflated tires create sagging sidewalls that can put a real damper on fuel efficiency. The wider tire base puts more rubber in contact with the road and makes it harder for commercial trucks to roll at higher speeds.

How Fleet Managers Can Help

You don’t have to sacrifice durable treads to lower your rolling resistance. Tire manufacturers have developed processes and technology to optimize tread patterns and improve fuel economy. Fleet managers can find you the right tires to suit your application and help you maintain their longevity.

Fleet managers can provide:

• Insight to help you match the right tire brand, style and tread to fit your application
• Lower tread or retread tires options to improve tire longevity
• Regular maintenance like tire inflation, inspections and management programs
• Tire analysis

Find a Bauer Built location near you. Our expert technicians will help you find tires that lower rolling resistance and maximize fuel efficiency.

Categories: Bauer Built Blog