The role of tyres in fuel economy

Post Date : 10 May 2022

Five principal features of tyres which have an effect on fuel consumption:

  1. Tyre structure
  2. Tyre size
  3. Tyre wear (technical condition)
  4. Tyre pressure
  5. Conditions of tyre use

Apart from rolling resistance, every car is subject to the following resisting forces while travelling:

  • aerodynamic forces;
  • internal friction;
  • gravitational forces;
  • inertial forces.

To overcome each of these forces, energy is required, and this is provided by the fuel. A tyre’s motion involves hysteresis (loss of energy in the form of accumulated heat due to compression of the tyre). Rolling resistance is an effect of this phenomenon. A very high level of hysteresis means excellent grip, while low hysteresis means low rolling resistance. It is determined by the viscosity and elasticity of the materials from which the tyres are made. Hence rolling resistance has an effect on fuel consumption. The tyres also make a contribution to the vehicle’s aerodynamic resistance.

Overcoming resisting forces accounts for as much as 35% of fuel usage. Depending on various factors, rolling resistance makes up between 10% and 70% of these forces.

1.Tyre structure

  • radial tyres have at least 20% lower rolling resistance than diagonal tyres
  • a smaller quantity and thickness of tyre elements, and a thinner tread and sides, lead to lower rolling resistance;
  • the smaller the mass of the tyre, the lower the rolling resistance (a lighter tyre can be produced using materials of smaller thickness, by reducing the quantity of material, and by raising the profile and reducing the width of the tyre);
  • the shape of the tyre’s contact patch, the tread pattern and the materials used in its manufacture (the tread structure makes a contribution of 60% to the rolling resistance);
  • the positioning of blocks and other elements of the tread – optimum design of this part of the tyre reduces its compression and deformation (a more rigid tyre has lower rolling resistance);
  • the rubber compound used to produce the tyre:
  • polymers (including butadiene rubbers, natural rubbers and styrene-butadiene rubbers);
  • fillers (soot and silica);
  • vulcanizing agent (sulphur).

The greater the number of butadiene parts and the larger the particles of filler (best is silica with a binder in the form of silanes), the lower the rolling resistance.

the process of production of the compound – its temperature and duration.

Not only rolling resistance is important. When making a purchase, choose a product that will offer good values for a range of performance parameters.

2. Tyre size

  • the lower the tyre height, the more rigid it will be, and this means lower rolling resistance;
  • tyre width – a tyre which is narrower by 1 cm has approximately 1.5% lower aerodynamic resistance;
  • rim width – changing this may also influence the tyre’s rigidity, and consequently affect its deformation and rolling resistance.

3. Tyre wear (technical condition)

  • the more worn a tyre is, the lower the rolling resistance;
  • in the case of a worn tyre, its mass decreases and it undergoes a lesser degree of compression during travel (increased rigidity).

4. Tyre pressure

  • low tyre pressure causes greater compression of the tyre and less squeezing of the tread blocks when in contact with the road surface;
  • a reduction in pressure by 0.3 bar means a 6% rise in rolling resistance;
  • a reduction in pressure by 1 bar means a 30% rise in rolling resistance, increasing fuel consumption by several percent.

4. Tyre wear (technical condition)

  • low tyre pressure causes greater compression of the tyre and less squeezing of the tread blocks when in contact with the road surface;
  • a reduction in pressure by 0.3 bar means a 6% rise in rolling resistance;
  • a reduction in pressure by 1 bar means a 30% rise in rolling resistance, increasing fuel consumption by several percent.

5. Conditions of tyre use

  • a higher ambient temperature causes a reduction in rolling resistance – the reason for this is the increase in pressure and the attainment of the tyre’s optimum working temperature (especially in summer).

The impact that tyres have on fuel consumption is a fact, and results from the influence of many factors. Importance attaches to the tyre’s design and method of production, the size of the tyre and the conditions of use. We must remember, however, that it is not only the tyres that affect a vehicle’s fuel consumption. Naturally it is worth buying tyres with low rolling resistance, but it is also necessary to drive in an economical fashion. Eco-driving experts recommend not warming up the engine while stationary, accelerating rapidly and dynamically (changing to a higher gear as soon as possible), and using the engine to brake.

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