The effect of tyres on fuel consumption
Submitted: Thursday, Jun 19, 2008 at 14:21
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Moose
Was reading an article in "The Road Ahead" (RACQ journal) and it stated that in the US they rate tyres on their rolling resistance and thus their fuel efficiency. Something similar to the electricity usage star ratings we have on electrical goods such as fridges. The author suggested we should have that system here too.
I'm not sure if in the US 4WD tyres are rated but I just wonder what effect it would have on people's selection of 4WD tyres if it was implemented. Many on this
forum appear to have a distinct preference re brand so I doubt fuel consumption would have any buying decision impact. It wouldn't for me - I think suitability for intended use and wear characteristics are more relevant.
My concession to fuel consumption is to keep tyres inflated a little on the high side when used on bitumen, good dirt etc.
Has anyone consciously considered the tyres effect on fuel consumption when buying, or will anyone be doing so for their next tyre purchase?
Reply By: Willem - Thursday, Jun 19, 2008 at 14:43
Thursday, Jun 19, 2008 at 14:43
It wouldn't bother me
If you did a survey over 12 months on driving with tyres at say 25psi for 6 moths and tyres at 50psi for 6 months the difference in fuel consumption may be minimal.
I buy my tyres for the application of my intended journeys.
Cheers
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Reply By: Member - Serg (VIC) - Thursday, Jun 19, 2008 at 14:51
Thursday, Jun 19, 2008 at 14:51
Tyres probably most compromised items – “harder” one with smooth protector runs longer, but handling, ride and stopping ability mediocre. Softer usually has better handling and stopping ability, but runs shorter. Deep-threaded one definitely consumes more petrol, noisier and run shorter while smooth-threaded one quieter and runs longer. This is why there is no consensus about tyres and this is why tyres threads are so “hot”. I would not buy tyres based on “fuel consumption” at all (for 4WD application in particular) because if they win in this area they ultimately loose in other more important in my POV. And BTW I do not believe that fuel consumption in that different - tyres pressure more important.
Cheers
Serg
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Reply By: Robin Miller - Thursday, Jun 19, 2008 at 15:45
Thursday, Jun 19, 2008 at 15:45
Certainly something i consider , and went out of our way to get AT Grandtreks with silicon rubber for our RAV4, pity weren't available for Patrol in size I want.
The real trick is that tyres are not necessarily a compromise in one area to improve another - you can get a higher total score on all values combined with the right choice.
Like so mant issues though its hard to get past marketing hype to the real issues , and USA tyre compliance specs are one way to get some hard data.
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Follow Up By: Member - Serg (VIC) - Thursday, Jun 19, 2008 at 15:56
Thursday, Jun 19, 2008 at 15:56
Robin,
I would like to respectfully disagree. This “silicon rubber” in my opinion does nothing good to tyres. It make them harder and less sticky. Surely it potentially can make them consume a tad less fuel and run longer, but in return they nowhere as good as “soft rubber” ones from handling and braking point of view, particularly on wet. “Soft rubber” ones not panacea either, because they definitely compromised from milage POV and usually cost more.
Cheers
Serg
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Reply By: Member - Oldplodder (QLD) - Thursday, Jun 19, 2008 at 16:18
Thursday, Jun 19, 2008 at 16:18
Yes, I believe the USA do have some sort of 'star rating' for tyres (oops tires) and fuel consumption.
Noticed when I went from 75 series to 85 series that the tyre heat increased due to increased flex, but consumption went down to less revs.
So best consumption is achieved by a low profile, road orientated tread tyre, of the right diameter to get maximum engine effeciency at the revs you are driving at. But then if I was after a vehicle for maximum fuel consumption, it would be a small car with a small diesel, not a 4wd :o)
So,as you say, other aspects guide my decision and I would put differences in fuel consumption down the list.
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Member -Dodger - Thursday, Jun 19, 2008 at 17:12
Thursday, Jun 19, 2008 at 17:12
IMHO.
If you are a black top warrior then use on road low profile tyres pumped up to recommended pressures and you will get good consumption.
If you are a 4wd driver going off road some times and on poor roads most times then AT type tyres are for you.
I buy my tyres for the intended use and safety, not for fuel consumption.
And my tyres suffer from the bride syndrome. = up and down as required.
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Reply By: Member - Olcoolone (S.A) - Sunday, Jun 22, 2008 at 11:19
Sunday, Jun 22, 2008 at 11:19
A road oriantated 4wd tyre will be more efficent then a off road 4wd tyre.
The more agressive the tyre is the less fuel efficent due to aerodynamics and compond.
When we cahnge tyres from our Cooper ATR's and run the Cooper ST/C's we lose about 1 to 1.5 liters per 100k.
Same size and pressure being used in both.
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