Do Hybrid Tires Have Low Rolling Resistance, Or Is It A Myth?

 

From cars to tires to pencils (yes, really), companies are always looking for ways to reduce friction between two surfaces. While this is undoubtedly a vital aspect of product design and engineering, it's also spawned a bit of a myth around low rolling resistance - namely, that anything labeled as such must be more efficient by default.

So does this hold true for hybrid tires? Are they more efficient than non-hybrid tires? Let's take a closer look.

 

The Importance of Tires

Tires are essential when it comes to the overall performance of a car. The working of the tires is affected by different factors, i.e., their weight, tread pattern, and the compound which forms the tire.

 

The heavier the tire, the more easily it can deform and the more energy it will require to roll. Similarly, deeper treads mean higher friction. The compounds the tire is made of also help reduce the energy loss from rolling and better handle the vehicle. Manufacturers are trying to improve the tires to reduce rolling resistance.

 

What Are Hybrid Tires?

As the name suggests, hybrid tires have rubber harder than regular tires. They are a blend of two different types of tires. These will often be a combination of a standard all-terrain tire and mud-terrain tires. The idea is that combining the features of both these tires will provide a better performance, rather than just one or the other.

 

What Is Low-Rolling Resistance?

Rolling resistance measures how much energy is used to keep a tire moving. In other words, it's the amount of effort required to get a vehicle up to its cruising speed. Low-rolling resistance tires use less energy as tires lose heat while rolling. The easier the tire rolls, the less energy it will require. The purpose of these tires is to improve the rolling resistance and increase fuel efficiency.

 

Do Hybrid Tires Offer Low-Rolling Resistance?

The answer is yes! Hybrid tires offer reduced resistance for rolling. Being of more rigid material allows them to roll easily with less friction; hence, they use less energy in the engine than traditional tires.

 

Hybrid tires are lighter in weight. Compounds like silica are used to improve their efficiency, and their tread patterns help in a smoother driving experience and enhance the vehicle's fuel economy. This combination allows the tire to reduce rolling resistance without compromising the traction.

 

What Does Low Rolling Resistance Mean for Drivers?

When it comes to hybrid tires and low rolling resistance, drivers can expect improved fuel efficiency due to less energy used while the car is in motion. The increased fuel mileage is an important factor, especially in our current economy.

It provides a smoother ride because of the specially designed tread pattern. Drivers can also expect an extended tire life because of the hybrid design.

 

Hybrid tires are popularly used in electric cars, but due to the materials used and the mixed feature design, all vehicles can enjoy the benefits of this technology.

 

Johnson Volvo serving the Fearrington, NC area, has all kinds of tires and parts available to fulfill your needs. Contact us for your next vehicle!