Manufacturers have reduced rolling resistance by a third within 15 years. Further improvements will be more difficult in the future if the performance balance is not to be jeopardized.
Tire manufacturers have every reason to be proud. Between 1995 and 2009, they managed to reduce rolling resistance by 30 µg/m², from 11 kg/t to 8 kg/t. This represents significant progress in fuel efficiency and CO2 emission reduction, considering that 1 kg/t equates to a saving of 0.08 l/100 km at 80 km/h (equivalent to 24 liters after 30,000 km driven).
In the future, they will aim to reach the 6kg/t threshold.
„"Reduction is becoming increasingly difficult"
Achieving this goal will not be easy. “Whatever the tire looks like, its dimensions, its design, and its application, it will be an enormous challenge to achieve this level of rolling resistance while maintaining the same level of performance in wet or dry grip,“ assures Jean-Pierre Jeusette, Director of Passenger Car Tire Technology for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. “As far as we are concerned, we will only set these figures as a target if we can be satisfied with the overall result.“ In other words: No compromises on braking performance.
The central pillars of the research work
Today, green tires and sports tires are no longer mutually exclusive. The ContiSportContact 5P is a prime example. It has been officially approved by Mercedes-AMG GmbH (models C 63, E 63, SL 63 and SLS) and Audi (TT RS). Its tread offers grip worthy of an ultra-sporty tire. At the same time, the underbelly, which exhibits limited deformation under pressure, ensures the lowest possible rolling resistance.
The combination of these two rubber compounds is called "Black Chili" (black pepper). It is based on highly structured carbon black particles mixed with specific resins and polymers.
Goodyear takes a similar approach with their EfficientGrip, which features a high molecular weight polyethylene reinforcing filler (in royal blue). To further reduce weight, the tread ribs have also been made narrower (in light blue). In both cases, the goal is to stiffen the tire tread to prevent cornering problems.
Manufacturers are also focusing on the belt layers, for example by using lighter threads, or on the sidewalls. The sidewall profile can therefore be different, which is intended to favorably influence air resistance. Furthermore, the rim protection, while narrower, is just as effective against impacts. The article was quoted from http://www.rezulteo-reifen.de/hilfreiche-tipps/wie-weit-lasst-sich-der-rollwiderstand-reduzieren-2214 and contains further information and many diagrams that illustrate what has been said.
A good, simple, and cost-effective way to minimize rolling resistance is to maintain the correct tire pressure while driving. This can be easily retrofitted. TireMoni System Tire pressure can become a fun factor, an accident prevention factor, and a cost-saving factor.