Tire Testing for Rolling Resistance and Fuel Economy

The rolling resistance of passenger tires and the fundamental factors influencing results from laboratory and road testing are discussed. Test methodologies for laboratory testing, rolling resistance trailer, vehicle coast-down, and vehicle fuel consumption tests are discussed.

The major emphasis is on the direct comparison of the bias belted tire with the steel belted radial tire to demonstrate the effect of tire construction, test method, and test parameters on tire performance. Observations are made regarding test methods and the significance of certain data.