Effect of Inflation Pressure on Tire Rolling Resistance and Vehicle Fuel Economy

Abstract

Inflation pressure loss rates (IPLR) were measured for >300 passenger car tires manufactured worldwide. Rolling resistance forces were measured and coefficients (RRC) calculated for 83 models. RRC was also measured upon decreasing inflation pressure in order to calculate the change in vehicle fuel economy with pressure loss. Current and projected data from the Exxon Mobil 2014 Energy Outlook is used for total light vehicles worldwide, and in selected countries in Asia Pacific. Using the average distances that vehicles are driven yearly and the average number of liters consumed to drive 100 kilometers, the total fuel consumed each year can be calculated. The potential fuel saved can then be calculated as a function of air loss using tire IPLR and tire reinflation at 3-month intervals. Corresponding savings in CO₂ emissions are estimated.