Test proves Continental’s low rolling resistance credentials
The results of an independent UK tyre test have revealed that high-mileage operators who choose a low rolling resistance tyre such as Continental’s Long Distance Eco-Plus stand to save up to £43,000 a year in fuel costs alone.
The test aimed at demonstrating the fuel-saving benefits of Continental’s Long Distance Eco Plus and Regional Series 2 tyres in addition to the importance of selecting the correct tyre for the correct commercial vehicle application.
The test procedure involved freewheeling a fully laden 44-tonne articulated truck and trailer combination down a 1-in-12 slope onto a flat one-mile straight and measuring the average total distance covered over a series of five runs. The DAF XF105 test vehicle was first shod with Continental’s Regional Series 2 tyres and averaged 1,083 metres. The process was then repeated for the Long Distance Eco Plus Series 2 tyres and it rolled 1,203 metres on average.
The Long Distance Eco-Plus Series 2 tyres rolled nearly 120 metres further than the already class-leading Regional Series 2 tyres – an 11% improvement in distance or, put another way, up to 3.68% saving in fuel consumption.
Roger Sanders, Continental Tyres‘ General Manager Technical Services UK & Ireland, said, “This test shows how important it is for transport operators to choose the correct tyre for their application. Our Regional Series 2 tyres provide operators who do a combination of urban and short motorway work with optimum performance and fuel-saving qualities. On the other hand operators who spend more than 75% of their time on motorways will benefit from the low rolling resistance of the Long Distance Eco-Plus premium tyre allowing hauliers to go further for less.
“The results of this independent test reaffirm what we promise our customers - that choosing our tyres will contribute to reduced fuel economy, and therefore fewer CO2 emissions, reduced whole-life costs and maximum mileage from each tyre.
All of Continental’s Long Distance tyres for steer, drive and trailer axles are labelled Eco-Plus on the sidewall, which signifies the company’s commitment to providing operators with the lowest overall operating costs. The highly advanced casing and tread pattern are designed specifically to meet the needs of extended motorway use, which is to reduce rolling resistance and fuel consumption while still maintaining high safety standards.
Testing was carried out in July 2010 at Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedfordshire, and the fully laden 44-tonne truck was driven by ex-editor of Commercial Motor Magazine, Mr Brian Weatherley. Watch the exciting test procedure online at tinyurl.com/conti-online-fueltest.
Fuel savings figure based on a fuel price of 117p/litre and calculated using a typical mid-size fleet of 30 trucks each averaging 100,000km/year and 8.5mpg (33.2L/100km).
