Rolling Resistance: The part the tyre plays

On average, 20% of a car’s fuel consumption, or one tank in five, is used to overcome tyre rolling resistance. That’s right, a tyre is responsible for 20% of a car’s fuel consumption. What causes rolling resistance? How can it be reduced?

What causes Rolling Resistance?

At every turn of the wheel, the tyre tread bends and distorts as it comes into contact with the road. As the rubber distorts it heats up, and energy is lost in the form of heat. This is the source of 90% of the tyre's 'rolling resistance'. 

It’s like permanently climbing a slope

The more rolling resistance a tyre has, the more power is required from the engine to move the car along. If the engine has to work harder just to overcome the tyre's rolling resistance, it will use more fuel. Think of rolling resistance as a car permanently climbing a slope. Rolling resistance cannot be completely eliminated, but reducing it as much as possible means you’ll need less fuel.

12 billion litres of fuel saved since 1992

This is what we estimate is the worldwide savings in fuel consumption as a result of using MICHELIN's answer to rolling resistance: 'green' energy saving tyres. These tyres are capable of offering exceptional levels of wear performance and grip. Without compromising safety or tyre longevity.

Three out of four Michelin passenger car tyres sold in Europe today are Michelin 'green' tyres.

400 million Michelin low rolling resistance 'green' tyres have been sold in Europe since 1992.

Since 1992, MICHELIN 'green' energy saving tyres have also contributed to a staggering reduction in vehicle CO2 emissions of 30 million tonnes. CO2 is one of the main greenhouse gases, and each litre of fuel used emits about 2.5 kgs of CO2 into the atmosphere.

If all cars in Europe were fitted with Michelin Green tyres, we would save around three billion litres of fuel (equivalent to 100,000 fuel tankers) each year.

Considering these facts, and Michelin’s continues innovations in low rolling resistance tyres, the environmental justification for using Michelin low rolling resistance tyres becomes even more convincing.

More info:
Michelin Energy Saver product page
Michelin Energy Saver microsite