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Rolling resistance

SUV tyre test

Less rolling resistance means better MPG, we find out which of our tyres is best for the wallet and the environment

Rolling resistance

Date: October 2009

The test

For many of us worried about the cost of motoring, this is the most important test we do, as it relates directly to how much fuel a car uses.

In the lab, we measured to industry standards how much energy is needed to turn a tyre over fixed periods of time at different speeds. An increase of six per cent in rolling resistance will result in a one per cent rise in fuel consumption.

Easiest on your wallet is the Pirelli. The frugal Scorpion was way ahead of the rest here, with a one per cent economy advantage over all its rivals – a major attraction for high-mileage drivers.

Master of building fuel-efficient tyres, Michelin, was next up, heading a tightly packed group led by Hankook, then Continental and Kumho.

Goodyear struggled in this test, finishing two per cent behind the standard set by Pirelli.


Rolling resistance

Pirelli             100.0
Michelin         93.2
Hankook        92.3
Continental    91.5
Kumho           90.0
Goodyear       88.4

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