The rolling resistance in tyres is something many motorists consider when it comes to purchasing new tyres. Low rolling resistance tyres can lead to better fuel economy and longer-lasting tyres. In this blog, we’re exploring what rolling resistance means, how it can affect your tyres, and what you can expect from specialist low-rolling resistance tyres.
What is tyre rolling resistance?
Tyre rolling resistance is the energy your vehicle needs to send to your tyres to maintain movement at a consistent speed over a road’s surface. When you press down on the accelerator in your vehicle, you are transferring energy, in the form of gas or electricity, depending on the vehicle, that comes through the engine and other systems in your vehicle. This then results in your tyres turning and enough momentum being built up to move your car. In order to actually move the car, your vehicle has to overcome many factors that can make it resistant to forward movement.
The main contributor to rolling resistance is hysteresis. This is when the energy loss occurs whilst the tyre rolls through its footprint. The loss of this energy has to be overcome by the vehicle’s engine which subsequently wastes more fuel.
How does rolling resistance affect tyres?
When a tyre rolls on a surface, it has to deform and then reshape as it moves forward. This generates friction and heat, which translates into a loss of energy that makes the tyre harder to roll. The higher the rolling resistance, the more energy is required to move the tyre and the more fuel your vehicle will consume.
In addition to reducing fuel efficiency, high rolling resistance can also affect the performance and durability of your tyres. It can cause your tyres to heat up excessively, leading to quicker tyre wear and even tyre failure. It can also make your tyres less responsive to steering inputs, reducing handling and grip.
Can rolling resistance be avoided?
Rolling resistance is going to happen no matter what, due to whenever the tyre makes contact with the surface of a road. However, it can be reduced. Tyres can be engineered with specially formulated tread compounds designed to resist heat generation and minimise tyre deflection for less energy loss. These tyres are known as low-rolling resistance tyres.
Are low rolling resistance tyres worth it?
There are many benefits to using low rolling resistance tyres, saving you money over time. Low rolling resistance tyres are great for those motorists looking to optimise their vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Utilising low-resistance tyres can have far-reaching fuel savings, with a 10% reduction in rolling resistance leading to an approximate 3% improvement in fuel economy. These low numbers can add up over time and save substantial amounts of fuel and waste.
EU Tyre Labelling
Want to find out the rolling resistance of your tyre? Just check the label. Tyre labels now have three parameters on the label that can tell you all about the tyre. These include a tyre energy efficiency rating which will give you information about the rolling resistance, along with a wet weather performance rating and an external noise rating and value in dB. You will also find icons that show snow/ice performance, A to E classifications and QR codes to take you through to the EU tyre database EPREL.
Which tyres offer excellent low rolling resistance?
Here at Asda Tyres, we supply an array of great tyres to optimise your car’s fuel efficiency.
Some of our most popular low-rolling resistance tyres include:
Along with the rolling resistance, we also list the fuel efficiency and wet weather performance of each of our tyres to help you choose the perfect tyre for you. Choose the best tyres for your vehicle and enjoy convenient fitting and delivery options that suit you here at Asda Tyres.
How to get the best out of your low-resistance tyres
If you are looking to have your tyres last as long as possible and continue to have low-rolling resistance, it is important to maintain and look after them. Rotating your tyres periodically can help them wear down evenly. Swapping the front and rear tyres will stop any uneven wear, and therefore ensure your tyres are performing as they should at all times. It is also essential to check the tyre labelling for a handy guide to fuel efficiency and braking performance in the wet.
Low-rolling resistance tyres can help save money, reduce CO2 emissions and keep the noise of your tyres on the road down.