Several factors can affect the rolling resistance of truck tires, including:
- Tire construction and materials: the design and composition of a tire influence how much it flexes while in motion. Tires engineered for low rolling resistance often incorporate specialized rubber compounds and optimized tread patterns.
- Inflation and alignment: tires that are underinflated tend to have higher rolling resistance. keeping tires properly inflated helps reduce resistance by maintaining tire shape, limiting deflection, controlling temperature, and firming up the tire’s structural belt. additionally, correct wheel alignment ensures even tire wear, minimizing drag.
- Vehicle load and distribution: heavier loads naturally lead to greater rolling resistance, meaning more energy is needed to maintain speed. improperly distributed loads can further increase resistance and cause uneven tire wear.
- Tire flexibility: reducing how much a tire flexes under load is key to lowering energy loss. tires that are engineered to limit deflection help improve fuel efficiency.
- Tire size: tire width significantly affects rolling resistance. wider tires, which are now more common, tend to increase resistance and reduce fuel economy.
- Road surface: the type of terrain and surface texture matters—smoother roads create less resistance compared to rough, uneven, or off-road conditions.
- Climate conditions: warm temperatures can soften the rubber in tires, which enhances grip but also increases rolling resistance.
- Driving speed: rolling resistance has a greater effect at higher speeds, making it an important factor for highway or long-distance driving.
