Low-rolling resistance tires minimize wasted energy as a tire rolls, thereby decreasing required rolling effort — and in the case of automotive applications, improving vehicle fuel efficiency. Approximately 5–15% of the fuel consumed by a typical car may be used to overcome rolling resistance.[1] A 2003 California Energy Commission (CEC) preliminary study estimated that adoption of low-rolling resistance tires could save 1.5–4.5% of all gasoline consumption, but that current data were also insufficient to compare safety and other characteristics.[2] A database of much more complete data will be released by the CEC pending completion of an ongoing study.[3]
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Rolling resistance can be expressed with the rolling resistance coefficient (RRC), which is the value of the rolling resistance force divided by the wheel load. A lower coefficient means the tires will use less energy to travel a certain distance. The coefficient is mostly considered as independent of speed, but for precise calculations it is tabled at several speeds or an additional speed-dependent part is used. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has developed test practices to measure the RRC of tires. These tests (SAE J1269 and SAE J2452) are usually performed on new tires.
When measured by using these standard test practices, most new passenger tires have reported RRCs ranging from 0.007 to 0.014.[4] In the case of bicycle tires, values of 0.0025 to 0.005 are achieved. [5] These coefficients are measured on rollers, with power meters on road surfaces, or with coast-down tests. In the latter two cases, the effect of air resistance must be subtracted or the tests performed at very low speeds. In 2009 The CEC used a rating called Rolling Resistance Force RRF. RRF and RRC, rolling resistance coefficient are very similar. Difference is taking the RRF and dividing it by the load(weight) to get RRC. So a Michelin Harmony tire rated at 9.45 RRF at 1000 pounds load would be .0095 RRC.[6][7]
In Canada, Transport Canada tests will be conducted on a number of different tires mounted on 15 and 16-inch rims – the most common tire sizes in Canada – to determine how rolling resistance is influenced by vehicle size, tire width and profile. Results will be used to inform Canadians about the types of low rolling resistance tires available in Canada, and whether they can help reduce fuel consumption and pollutants from passenger vehicles. [8]
Most hybrid vehicles are equipped with low-rolling resistance tires.
Auto manufacturers in the United States typically equip new vehicles with tires that have lower rolling resistance than their average after-market replacements, in order to meet Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards.[9]
These include Conti Contact, Michelin Energy, and Goodyear Eagle LS tires.
Some tires available in 2003 ranked by coefficient from lowest (least wasteful), according to the United States National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board Special Report 286[4] and the March 2003 Green Seal report on the topic[10].
Here is a list of Consumer Report's tires that achieved their best rolling resistance rating. The tires at the top of the list are rated higher overall.
Below are the light duty tires (as reported by Consumer reports) achieving their best rolling resistance rating. Again, higher overall rated tires are closer to the top of the list.
Followed by:
New models by 2009:
Depending on the specific technique and materials used by the manufacturers, tire life may be as good as conventional tires, and traction may also be as good.[4]
A Union of Concerned Scientists newsletter says "LRR tires also meet the same federal standards for treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance as regular tires." [11]
Older Low-rolling resistance tires may reduce ability to grip, especially when taking corners, and may also wear out more rapidly.[12]
California has new rolling resistance requirements that went into effect in July 2008[13]. The law was passed in 2003 and the standards and reporting requirements were finalized in 2007.
Passenger tires are tested for rolling resistance in order to obtain the German Blue Angel eco-label [14]