What Is an Energy Saving Tyre?

Energy-saving tyres, often described as low-rolling-resistance tyres, are designed to reduce the amount of energy lost as the tyre flexes while rolling. Reducing those losses can help lower fuel use in combustion vehicles and can help improve range in electric vehicles.

What Is Rolling Resistance?

A tyre continually deforms where it meets the road and then returns towards its original shape as it rotates. Some energy is lost as heat during that process. Tyre construction, rubber compounds, tread design, pressure and load all affect rolling resistance.

How Do Modern Tyres Reduce Energy Loss?

Manufacturers use carefully developed compounds and construction methods to reduce unnecessary deformation while still providing the grip, braking performance and durability expected from a road tyre. Silica is widely used in modern tread compounds because it can help balance rolling resistance with wet grip.

Does Lower Rolling Resistance Mean Less Grip?

Not automatically. Modern tyre design is a balance between rolling resistance, wet grip, dry grip, wear, noise and comfort. When choosing a tyre, compare the complete specification rather than looking at one characteristic in isolation.

Tyre Pressure Matters Too

An underinflated tyre normally creates more rolling resistance and heat, so keeping tyres at the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressures is one of the simplest ways to avoid wasting energy. See our tyre pressure checking guide.