How Rolling Resistance Test in Tyre Helps Fuel Economy?

 Rolling Resistance is a common term related to tyres. Being one of the tests conducted on tyres in India to provide BIS certification to tyres, understanding it helps a consumer in picking the right tyre. Many people claim that rolling resistance is the biggest factor in tyres to contribute to better fuel efficiency. But, does it actually do as claimed? Let’s find out.

What is Rolling Resistance?

To move the vehicle, a certain amount of energy is required. Rolling Resistance is the total amount of this energy used by the tyres to move the vehicle at a constant speed. While moving on the surface, tyres change their shape to keep the vehicle moving and come back to their relaxed position afterwards. Changing the shape of the tyre as per the road conditions requires a lot of energy and the entire concept is called hysteresis on which rolling resistance is based.

Rolling Resistance and Energy Consumption

Rolling Resistance is not just limited to just automotive, but any other area where inflated tyres are used. One of the easiest ways to understand the relationship between rolling resistance and energy consumption is by bicycle. While riding a bicycle with a less inflated tyre, you might have noticed the additional effort that your muscles have to put in to move it as compared to well-inflated tyres. The reason for requiring this additional energy is due to the changing shape of the tyre or hysteresis. Though the person cycling can feel the need for additional energy, that is uncommon while driving an automobile.

Components that Affect Rolling Resistance

Tyre tread pattern is the component that affects rolling resistance the most. Compound, width and depth are the biggest factors of the tread. In order to utilize maximum energy and reduce energy loss, the compound should provide low internal friction. Apart from the tread, other components are the inner liner, bead, casing, sidewall, and belt.

Lower Rolling Resistance, Higher Fuel Economy

Anyone driving a vehicle thinks about saving fuel as much as possible. Though certain factors contribute to the overall fuel economy, rolling resistance of the tyre contributes a significant share too. On average, a ten per cent reduction in rolling resistance can reduce fuel economy by two per cent. Initially, the number may not seem to depict a herculean difference. However, the same can become a major fuel as well as a money saver in the long term.

As explained above, higher rolling resistance increases energy consumption, and the energy requirement is compensated by more fuel consumption. With that thing in mind, the BIS has made it mandatory to attain BIS certification where they test the rolling resistance of the tyre too. Manufacturers have to adhere to the norms where they can also take assistance from BIS consultants in Delhi which will make the process smooth.

How Drivers can Lower Rolling Resistance?

Rolling resistance is something that not just depends on the tyre make, but how the driver is driving the car. The first thing that you have to do for low rolling resistance is to ensure that the tyres are properly inflated. The right PSI will make it easier for the tyre to deform and take its resting position which ultimately reduces rolling resistance.

Another thing that can be done is to drive at a constant speed. Rolling resistance is all about maintaining a constant speed. By doing so by yourself, you are not only reducing this resistance but making it easier for the engine to move the vehicle.  

The most significant change that you can bring in your vehicle is by getting new tyres with lower rolling resistance. The newly introduced BIS standards will label ratings to the tyre as per their performance. Picking the tyre with a low rolling resistance is a great option for enhanced fuel efficiency.

Bottom Line

At the end of the day, you want your vehicle to consume less fuel along with safe to drive tyres. BIS certification tyres will come up with label ratings that will make it easier for the consumers to choose the right tyre for themselves. Moreover, these tyres will be entirely safe to use and reduce road accidents as well.