Understanding Rolling Resistance 

Rolling friction or resistance refers to the force that hinders the movement of a tyre as it rolls on a surface. As a vehicle moves, the tyre flexes and undergoes deformation. This is a gradual change in the shape of the tyre, which is characterised by a swelling on any part of its lateral surface. This deformation occurs over time and may initially be barely noticeable to the naked eye. It results in energy losses due to internal friction within the tyre, the drag of the wind and any resistance caused by the surface your car is driving over.  

These energy losses manifest as resistance against the vehicle's forward motion and your car will need to use more energy to overcome this. As a result, the impact on fuel consumption becomes significant, affecting both your vehicle's efficiency and the lifespan of your tyres. A mere 30% increase in the resistance can lead to fuel overconsumption ranging between 3% and 5%. 

Factors Influencing the Rolling Resistance in a passenger car 

There are several factors which contribute to the rolling friction or resistance of a passenger car: 

• Tyre Design: The design of the tyre plays a crucial role in determining its resistance. Tread patterns, rubber compounds and sidewall stiffness are optimised in tyres designed for low resistance, which minimises energy losses during deformation. 

• Tyre Pressure: Proper tyre inflation is vital, as underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance. Insufficient tyre pressure leads to a larger area of tyre being in contact with the road, resulting in increased deformation and higher energy losses. 

•  Road Surface: The condition and texture of the road surface also affect rolling friction or resistance. Rough surfaces, such as gravel or uneven road textures, increase resistance due to additional tyre vibrations and deformation. 

• Vehicle Weight: Heavier vehicles experience greater resistance. If you frequently carry heavy loads or a car full of people, this will contribute to the energy required to overcome tyre deformation and maintain forward motion. 

• Aerodynamics: The shape of the car influences the air resistance it encounters. Vehicles with streamlined designs experience reduced aerodynamic drag, which results in lower energy requirements to overcome rolling resistance. 

The Impact and Significance of the Rolling Friction or Resistance on Your Vehicle 

It is important for car owners to understand and try to manage the resistance of their vehicles for the following reasons: 

• Fuel Efficiency: Resistance while rolling has a direct impact on fuel consumption. Higher resistance means more energy is required to maintain the same speed, resulting in increased fuel consumption. It can increase fuel consumption by up to 20% in petrol or diesel powered cars and decrease the battery range in electric vehicles. 

• Tyre Wear: Friction resistance affects tyre wear patterns. Excessive resistance leads to increased heat generation, which can accelerate tyre wear and reduce their lifespan. 

•  Handling and Performance: Resistance also affects a vehicle's handling and performance. Higher resistance can negatively impact acceleration, braking distances and overall stability. 

• Environmental Impact: By reducing resistance, we can decrease fuel consumption and, subsequently, carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to a greener and more sustainable environment. 

How to Reduce Rolling Friction or Resistance in Your Vehicle 

To improve fuel efficiency and minimise tyre wear, reducing the resistance is essential. Here are some strategies that can help you achieve this: 

• Tyre Selection: Choose tyres specifically designed for low rolling resistance. These types of tyres feature advanced materials and tread patterns that minimise energy losses during deformation. At Protyre, we stock high-quality tyres from brands such as Bridgestone, Pirelli and Sumitomo. Environmentally friendly tyres, including the Bridgestone Ecopia, are designed to have a lower resistance rate, thereby demanding less force and fuel to set them in motion. These eco-friendly tyres could yield fuel savings of up to 5.7%.  

• Proper Tyre Inflation: Regularly check and maintain the recommended tyre pressure. Underinflated or overinflated tyres increase resistance and compromise handling and safety. 

• Wheel Alignment: Ensure proper wheel alignment to minimise unnecessary tyre drag and reduce resistance. 

• Efficient Driving Habits: Adopting smooth acceleration and braking, maintaining a steady speed and avoiding excessive loads can all help reduce resistance. 

• Tyre Maintenance: Regular tyre rotation, balancing and alignment checks can prevent uneven wear and maintain optimal friction resistance. Our tyre professionals at Protyre offer free tyre checks at any of our garages. Our skilled technicians will examine your tyres for tread depth, pressure, wear and any signs of damage to guarantee their safety and compliance with legal requirements. Should any concerns arise during the inspection, we will provide expert advice on the necessary steps to address the issue promptly and effectively. 

In conclusion, rolling resistance significantly impacts the performance, fuel efficiency and environmental impact of a passenger car. By considering factors such as tyre design, tyre pressure, road surface conditions, vehicle weight and aerodynamics, drivers can make informed decisions to reduce the resistance of their vehicle. Embracing strategies including selecting tyres designed for low rolling resistance, maintaining proper tyre inflation and adopting efficient driving habits can lead to substantial benefits in terms of fuel savings, reduced emissions and increased overall sustainability. 

For any inquiries regarding the appropriate tyres for your vehicle or any other issue with your car, please don't hesitate to contact our helpful team at Protyre and schedule a free tyre, battery, brake, exhaust, steering or safety check. With over 100 garages in our extensive network, Protyre ensures the availability of a conveniently located garage near you. We provide a first class service and we also take pride in being Foxy Lady Approved, signifying our commitment to being a female-friendly business. Rest assured that we prioritise fairness and transparency and ensure that we never exploit anyone's limited knowledge of vehicle maintenance.