Bridgestone: 20% of vehicle tyres are under-inflated
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By Hayley Pink
BRIDGESTONE UK research reveals that 20% of vehicle tyres are under-inflated, with the effect on fuel consumption across a fleet of 300 trucks costing an operator up to £220,000 per annum. Bridgestone provided a series of free seminars at the CV Show on the importance of tyre husbandry, and the fuel savings to be achieved from a properly maintained tyre.
The tyre manufacturer said between 20% and 50% of fuel consumption on a vehicle is caused by rolling resistance, with the trailer axle offering the biggest potential for savings. It is therefore imperative that technicians maintaining tyres understand the best ways to optimise tyre performance, and that the tyres selected for a fleet embrace the latest technology.
The manufacturer said rubber technology has improved rolling resistance dramatically in the last few years, with Bridgestone’s own NanoPro-Tech compound reducing energy loss in the tyre’s tread during rotation. This means that less heat is generated and less rolling resistance created. A 10% reduction in rolling resistance can lead to a 2% improvement in fuel efficiency on a truck, Bridgestone added.