Why better tyres?
Tyres are more important than you might think. As the only part of our vehicles which make contact with the road they play a vital role in steering and braking performance, as well as fuel efficiency. Our choice of tyres can affect our safety, comfort and economy, as well as our local and global environment.
Developments in tyre technology mean that tyres are becoming more energy efficient, quieter and safer. However, not all tyres are equal and some perform better than others when it comes to fuel efficiency, safety and noise.
By choosing better tyres we can save money on fuel, cut CO2 emissions, reduce traffic noise and stay safe on the roads.
The benefits of better tyres
Better tyres can help us:
Save fuel
Better tyres have a lower rolling resistance, which is the friction that occurs when a tyre rolls along a road under the weight of a vehicle. Tyre rolling resistance accounts for 20-30% of an average car's fuel consumption, so switching to low rolling resistance tyres can lead to big savings.
The most fuel efficient car tyres currently on the market can reduce fuel consumption by 10% compared to the worst performing tyres.
Help the environment
Better tyres can help reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other toxic air polllutants such as fine particles and nitrogen oxides.
The best performing tyres on the market can reduce CO2 emissions by 10% compared to the worst performing tyres.
Reduce traffic noise
Better tyres are quieter, helping reduce traffic noise - which affects six million people in the UK and can lead to sleep disturbance, increased stress, raised blood pressure and even heart attacks. Tyre rolling noise is the main source of noise from cars at speeds above around 25mph, so quieter tyres can have a big impact on traffic noise.
At present, the quietest tyres on the market can cut rolling noise almost in half.
Stay Safe
Better tyres also have good wet grip, which improves braking and handling performance on wet roads. Wet grip is measured is measured by stopping distance and the differences between tyres can be significant.
The best performing tyres on the market can stop 18 metres earlier in wet conditions than the worst performing tyres.
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Case Study: Addison Lee
Fleet Size: 3,200
Tyres used: Hankook
John Griffin: Chairman of Addison Lee
"Addison Lee understand that by using the right tyres our drivers are saving thousands pounds a year on fuel costs, while high quality tyres also result in more grip and less accidents - protecting our drivers and the general public. Using low-rolling resistance tyres also means we drastically reduce the amount of CO2 & PM emissions released into the atmosphere. Addison Lee take pride in green business practices that are more than empty promises - our support of the Campaign for Better Tyres is another demonstration of our environmental commitment."
