Development of new test protocols to study tire rolling resistance using simulated driving conditions

摘要

Efficient use of fossil fuels has become important economically and environmentally. Sixty percent of greenhouse gas emissions come from small scale transport, buildings, agriculture and waste (ref 1). The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) enacted in 2007 by the U.S. Congress calls for a tire fuel efficiency consumer information program (TFECIP) for replacement tires designed for use on motor vehicles to educate consumers about the effect of tires on automobile fuel efficiency, safety and durability (refs. 2-4). The requirements of the TFECIP include developing a rating system for tire rolling resistance that can assist the consumers making educated decisions in purchasing fuel efficient replacement tires. Following the code of federal regulations, 49 CFR 575.106 (ref. 5), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has adopted ISO 28580:2009(E) (ref. 6) as the test procedure for rating tire rolling resistance.