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Industry spruiks low-rolling resistance tyres

Among the ideas put forward to address pollution is the use of low-rolling resistance tyres

By Gary Worrall | September 17, 2012

As the symbolic backbone of Australia, road transport often bears the brunt of the political and ideological attempts to be seen to address the issues of pollution, even if it is not always the cause.

Among the ideas put forward to achieve this is the use of low-rolling resistance tyres, complete with independent research showing the value of making the switch.

While tyre manufacturers are open to criticism of self-interest for promoting a product they claim will reduce fuel burn, the reality is plenty of research is put into developing new technologies and ensuring they are capable of doing the job.

The Bridgestone Americas Tires Operations (BATO) is proposing operators investigate using tyres with reduced tread depth, as it contributes to lower rolling resistance, making the tyre more fuel efficient.

Bridgestone has also released a new line-up of its Ecopia fuel efficient tyres in the United States reduce fuel consumption compared to standard tyres.

This is achieved through a mix of tread compounding for lower rolling resistance; new tread designs developed for long, even wear, as well as the design and construction of the tyre carcass.

Another manufacturer looking to offer operators improved fuel consumption is Hankook, which submitted its low-rolling resistance ‘e-cube’ tyres for independent assessment in Europe.

The three sets of tyres were each driven for 6,000km over nine days in Germany, where the average fuel consumption of the test vehicle – a Scania G420 4×2 prime mover towing a fully-loaded Schmitz Cargobull semi-trailer – was 29.4 litres/100km when fitted with the Hankook e-cube set.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is another to support the use of low-rolling resistance tyres as part of its SmartWay Transport Partnership.

The EPA says the SmartWay program is designed to “promote creative approaches to reducing the energy and environmental impact of transport through a combination of strategies”.

This includes the use of low-rolling resistance tyres, encouraging reductions in idling time, tyre maintenance and driver education.

Check out the October edition of ATN for the full story.

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