Re: Low Rolling Resistance Tires

[Paul G <neong@gte.net>]

>I would think the narrowest tire available would be the most efficient,
>however I’m not certain I might be overlooking problems with the
>slightly different tire height.  Also I’m not too certain what to do for
>tires for the pickup.  It seems the tires for pickup’s don’t have any
>great concern for energy efficiency.

A 155/80 and 175/70 are almost the same height. The same is close to true
for 165/80 and 185/70 (refering to 13's here). At least enuf to not
generate any real speedo error.

I ran some calculator number seem to indicate that a lower profile tyre is
better. I ran numbers with the 155/80R13, 175/70R13 (stock size for a VW
Pickup), 185/60R14, 195/50R15, and 205/40R16 (too expensive to seriously
consider). The rolling resistance numbers where the highest on the first
one, and dropped for each lower profile tyre. This assumes fixed typical
numbers for radial tyre construction and a constant load (the EVs not
getting heavier just 'cause you change the tyres). Higher preasure is
generally better too (more often found on 50 and 60 series tyres). So *my*
plan is to outfit my Rabbit Pickup with 195/50R15 tyres for lower
resistance (at a reasonable cost, generally higher preasure design, and
good look too).

I cannot recomend any particular tyre, other will have more info on this
hopefully,

Neon