How does the tyre make a difference with fuel savings?

Negative forces are applied to a vehicle when it moves and need to be compensated, this generates fuel consumption.

Tyres represent about one-third of the total force which must be overcome by the engine.

Why does the tyre affect fuel consumption?

- Tyres are made from various rubber compounds

- Rubber by its very basic properties, tends to absorb some energy when flexed – think of the tyre as a rubber ball (both are made from the same material!)

- When the rubber ball is dropped to the ground it does not rebound as high as it was launched. Each successive bounce is lower and lower.

- The height of each bounce is lower because the rubber absorbs some energy each time it strikes the ground.

- Like the ball, energy is dissipated when a tyre rolls on the ground and is deformed.

- This phenomenon is called rolling resistance and causes a resistive force which must be overcome by the engine.

Fuel consumption is also greatly affected by the conditions of use for the vehicle.

Tyre contribution to fuel consumption by usage segments

Tyre contribution to fuel consumption is the most significant on usages in highway / expressway services. Therefore, a low rolling resistance drive product for long distance vehicles will clearly bring significant fuel consumption reductions to users.

Michelin Truck Tyre Fuel Saving Testing

• The truck tyre testing involved analysing and comparing the results products by Michelin and other brands.
• There were two identical vehicles used for all of the test. They were the Iveco Stralias 6x4 prime movers which are “Automatic” 505 Horsepower cab-overs followed by a standard tri-axle single trailer fully loaded giving a total weight of 42.5 tonnes (truck, trailer and load combined). This combination is seen as a standard combination in the Australian market.
• One test, arguably the most important test conducted, was the fuel consumption comparison of the Michelin 275/80R22.5 Energy range of tyres against the traditional 295/80R22.5 (Steer) and 11R22.5 (Drive & Trailer) combination.
• Preliminary results indicated a reduction of fuel usage by 6-8% in the Energy tyre range against the 295/80 & 11R22.5.
• The final results confirmed Michelin’s commitment to provide the best tyre, delivering optimal performance for our customer.

Fuel consumption test

Date: 7th-11th November 2005
Place/circuit: AARC, Highway Circuit
Vehicle brand/model/configuration: Iveco Stralis 6x4 (505hp) +triaxle refrigerated trailers

Tyre size/pattern:
• Test tyreE2+ (Euro)
• ReferenceVarious

Testing condition:
• Distance 15 laps of a 4.2km highway circuit (AARC)
• Avg speed, 95km/h constant (cruise control)

Data analysis

Fuel Saving = + 3.7%

Note : Iveco estimates that there is a further 1.8-2.0% fuel saving if the final drive gear is changed to suit 275/80R22.5 drive size.

Fuel Saving = + 3.7%

Fuel Saving = - 5.6%