Fuel economy & tyre wear

Rolling resistance

Tyres create a type of drag called rolling resistance. Most of this rolling resistance is due to deformation of the tyre as it travels over the road. Rolling resistance is heavily dependent on inflation pressure.

Tyre inflation

A tyre operates at its optimum performance when inflated to its recommended pressure. However, every tyre will naturally leak air through the casing over time; a pressure loss of about 3% per month should be expected.Should the valve seal leak or if the tyre is punctured the pressure will drop much faster.

Optimal handling, braking & stability
Optimal fuel consumption
Optimal tyre service life

High safety risk
Unstable with poor handling & braking
Reduced tyre service life

Unpredictable handling, braking & stability
Uncomfortable for driver
Reduced tyre service life

Powerful technology

Wheel loss

Our knowledge base for preventing wheel loss.

Learn more

Tyres operating under the recommended pressure experience greater rolling resistance which has a negative effect on performance and durability – increasing fuel consumption and carbon emissions whilst reducing the service-life of the tyre. More importantly, the vehicle’s handling, braking and stability will also be adversely affected. If the tyre pressure is left uncorrected this can cause the tyre to overheat and break up, or even blow out with potentially disastrous results.

A tyre under inflated by 5% will use 0.5% more fuel and achieve just 97% of its normal life
A tyre under inflated by 10% will use 1% more fuel and achieve just 90% of its normal life
A tyre under inflated by 20% will use 2% more fuel and achieve just 70% of its normal life

Over-inflation can reduce tyre life as well.

A tyre over-inflated by 10% will use 1% more fuel and achieve just 90% of its normal life

Incorrect air pressure reduces your miles per gallon

Incorrect air pressure dramatically shortens tyre service life

80% of commercial vehicles are running tyres at incorrect pressures UK Freight Industry research

Wheel loss

Wheel loss in commercial vehicles is very rare but can have catastrophic consequences.

Investigation has shown that the majority of cases are caused by one of the following errors:

Over tightening of fixings

This causes excess stress in the studs, nuts and other components - often causing complete and sudden failure.

Under tightening of fixings

Runs the risk of nuts working loose and subsequent wheel loss.

Foreign matter

Dirt, dust, rust or paint can be trapped between components when tightened. If this matter compresses or collapses the fixing can work loose.

Reused, worn or damaged components

Damaged wheel nuts, studs, and other components can result in a wheel not being clamped properly even when a correct torque setting is achieved, leading to potential wheel loss.