What is rolling resistance in truck tires and why does it matter?

Imagine driving a huge truck loaded with goods on a long road amid the hot summer heat. Every minute on this road consumes extra fuel, and every liter of gasoline or diesel directly raises the operating cost. Certainly, the first thing that comes to mind is that fuel consumption depends only on engine power or cargo weight, but in fact there is a hidden factor that many people do not notice. This factor is: Rolling resistance (Rolling Resistance).

This simple concept determines the extent to which the engine needs to make a greater effort to maintain a constant speed. If the rolling resistance is high, the engine will consume more fuel. If it is low, you will get better fuel economy and longer tire life. What is rolling resistance exactly? Why is it an essential element in the world of trucks?

These important points will be learned sequentially in this short and comprehensive article:

What is the rolling resistance?

Simply... Rotation resistance is the force that hinders the movement of a tire while it is rotating on the road when the tire turns. Rubber is subject to repeated deformations due to the weight of the vehicle and the load. These deformations generate internal friction and heat. Therefore, the vehicle needs additional force to overcome this resistance.

Therefore, the greater the rolling resistance, the higher the fuel consumption, and the lower it is, the more efficient the travel becomes. Therefore, we must distinguish between two basic concepts:

1. High-resistance tires: They increase the pressure on the engine and lead to higher fuel consumption.
2. Low resistance tires: They help reduce the effort required, thus reducing operating costs.

Why does rolling resistance matter more in trucks than others?

Heavy trucks are radically different from small cars. They carry tens of tons and travel thousands of kilometers per month, making any small improvement in tire efficiency have a huge impact on costs.

Therefore, trucks with large tonnage put more pressure on tires, which increases the importance of choosing low-resistance tires. Therefore, lower rolling resistance not only improves fuel economy, but also reduces the temperature of tires, thus extending their life span and reducing the possibility of explosion.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), tires account for about 20% to 30% of the total fuel consumption of trucks, meaning that improving rolling resistance could save companies millions of dollars a year

The relationship between rolling resistance and fuel consumption

According to a study issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), using low-resistance tires may reduce fuel consumption by 4-6%.

In order to make the picture clearer and to understand the idea logically and clearly, we will explain this with a practical example:

• If a truck consumes 100,000 liters of diesel per year, improved rolling resistance may save 4,000 to 6,000 liters per year.
• By calculating the price of a liter of diesel at an average of $0.70, this means savings of up to $4,200 per year per truck.

Imagine a fleet of 100 trucks. Can you imagine that with this simple mechanism and by choosing a suitable tire, you will be able to save an amount that may exceed half a million dollars annually!

Factors affecting rolling resistance

You may think that rolling resistance is related only to the quality of the tire itself, but the fact is that it is affected by several factors combined, some related to design and technology, and others to driving style and daily maintenance. Knowing these factors not only helps you choose the right tire, but also gives you the ability to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and significantly extend the life of the tire. These factors are:

1. Frame design:

• Tread pattern:

The deeper and heavy the engravings, the higher the resistance. The engravings designed with modern technology reduce friction, thus reducing rolling resistance, and thus reducing fuel consumption.

• Rubber compounds:

Silica reinforced tires reduce heat losses and reduce resistance.

2. Air pressure:

A study by a company indicates Bridgestone However, driving with a 20% underpressure tire may increase rolling resistance and reduce tire life by 25%. Low pressure means increased friction with the road, thus increasing fuel consumption.

3. Overload:

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) report, overloading increases rolling resistance and directly affects truck stability. Therefore, misdistributed cargo also leads to unbalanced wear and higher resistance on one side.

4. Temperature:

In the Gulf countries, asphalt can heat up to 80 degrees Celsius. This leads to rubber stretching, increased friction and, consequently, significantly higher rolling resistance.

How does rolling resistance contribute to reducing emissions?

Some may think that rolling resistance affects only fuel costs, but the fact is that its impact goes beyond the economic aspect to reach the environment directly. Every liter of fuel saved thanks to low-resistance tires means reducing the amount of harmful gases emitted by exhaust, especially carbon dioxide (CO2). This makes rolling resistance a key factor in the world's plans to combat pollution and adopt green transport. Every liter of fuel saved means reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

According to an EU study published in (2022), the use of low-resistance tires in trucks helped reduce 20 million tons of CO₂ emissions per year.

The environmental aspect has become a prerequisite in global transport regulations, especially with governments moving to reduce pollution.

How do you choose low rolling resistance tires?

You may have dozens of types of tires when you buy, but not all of them give you the same fuel efficiency. Here is the importance of knowing how to choose the right tire. Low rolling tires are designed specifically to reduce friction with the road, thus giving you a smoother ride and saving money in the long term.

But how can a driver or fleet owner distinguish them from traditional tires?

1. Examine the data printed on the tire: there are ratings that show the efficiency of rolling resistance.
2. Be sure to have the Saudi Quality Mark (SASO): it ensures that the tire has passed fuel consumption tests.
3. Keep the correct air pressure: it is the first factor in reducing resistance.
4. Choose the right pattern: long roads need different tires than mountain or mud roads.
5. Don't just be fooled by the price: a cheaper tire may consume more fuel in the long run.

The role of Darbek tires in improving transport efficiency:

Derbek has developed a range of tires for heavy trucks, with a focus on reducing rolling resistance without sacrificing stability or safety. Perhaps the two most important factors in achieving this goal are the following:

• Darbek tires have Saudi Quality Mark After passing the proficiency and performance tests.
• The tire design is based on advanced rubber compounds that reduce friction and increase life, achieving double savings in fuel and maintenance.

In conclusion...

You should know that rolling resistance is not a complex engineering term. It is the hidden link between road safety and transportation economy.

In the world of trucks, every liter of fuel, every hour of work, and every tire makes a difference. Understanding and applying this concept means:

• Great financial savings.
• Safer driving.
• Reducing emissions and protecting the environment.

With your trail tires, you won't have to worry about rolling resistance, because you'll always drive more efficiently, more confidently, and more economically.

Train you... your way to better performance and greater savings.