How does the tyre make a difference with fuel savings?

Negative forces are applied to a vehicle when it moves and need to be compensated, this generates fuel consumption.

Tyres represent about one-third of the total force which must be overcome by the engine.

Why does the tyre affect fuel consumption?

- Tyres are made from various rubber compounds

- Rubber by it’s very basic properties, tends to absorb some energy when flexed – think of the tyre as a rubber ball (both are made from the same material!)

- When the rubber ball is dropped to the ground it does not rebound as high as it was launched. Each successive bounce is lower and lower.

- The height of each bounce is lower because the rubber absorbs some energy each time it strikes the ground.

- Like the ball, energy is dissipated when a tyre rolls on the ground and is deformed.
- This phenomenon is called Rolling Resistance and causes a resistive force which must be overcome by the engine.

Fuel Consumption is also greatly affected by the conditions of use for the vehicle.

TYRE CONTRIBUTION to Fuel Consumption by usage segments

Tyre contribution to fuel consumption is the most significant on usages in highway / expressway services. Therefore, a low rolling resistance drive product for long distance vehicles will clearly bring significant fuel consumption reductions to users.

MICHELIN CONDUCTS FUEL SAVINGS TEST FOR TRUCKS AND BUSES IN THE PHILIPPINES

Michelin, the world’s leading tyre manufacturer and innovator that produces tyres for international motorsports racing, recently concluded its four-day run of “Michelin Philippines Truck and Bus Fuel Savings Test 2006” at the North Luzon Expressway, Mexico, Pampanga. This is part of Michelin’s Asia-wide initiative to increase the awareness of its customers and fleet accounts on the benefits of radial technology in truck and bus tyres.

Radial tyre market in Asia has been significantly low compared to that in more developed regions like Europe and North America. Most countries in Asia still rely on bias or nylon tyres for trucks and buses.

In the said test, two trucks courtesy of Roadway Express and two buses courtesy of Rainbow Express are used as test vehicles. Vehicles of each type are of the same specifications: same brand, same age, same odometer reading, engine power, and vehicle geometry. One of each type was fitted with end user’s preferred bias/nylon tyres, while the other with Michelin radial tyres. All vehicles are checked and verified to have the same load and tire pressure.

The vehicles are then driven together along the same route for 105 km, maintaining a constant speed of 80kph in normal road and traffic conditions. The tires are then swapped to ensure accuracy of the results. After each test, the fuel consumption is measured and average is taken at the end of the test.

And the verdict? Fuel savings for the trucks and buses fitted with Michelin radial tyres was recorded at 12.5% and 7.94%, respectively compared to vehicles fitted with bias/nylon tyres. The outcome also means low fuel consumption and low carbon monoxide emission in the atmosphere. Moreover, less rubber is consumed and disposed because of the Michelin radial tyre’s long life and durability.

Photo shows Michelin man Bibendum proudly showing the results of the fuel savings test to the guests from media, end users, and the Department of Energy. Joining him are (L-R): Michelin Philippines Chief Country Representative Rizalino Dalangin, Michelin TB Marketing Manager Philippe Chul, and TIARA Commercial and Industrial Corporation General Manager Nilo Luna.

Michelin Philippines is the 5th to conduct a fuel savings test in Asia. Similar tests had been carried out in other Asian countries where significant fuel savings was recorded at 6.44% in Thailand; 9.13% in India; 8.57% in Indonesia (all on ten-wheel trucks); and 11.8% in Singapore (on 14-wheel truck).

Michelin is the inventor of radial technology and continues to be the top innovator in the field of improved mobility and fuel savings for its customers.