Goodyear and Dunlop tyre products given efficiency tick

Over 100 Goodyear and Dunlop tyre products in New Zealand given fuel efficiency tick by EECA

The New Zealand government agency, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), has identified 186 tyres as fuel efficient as part of its new ENERGYWISE programme. Of these products, 101 are Goodyear or Dunlop branded passenger and SUV tyres.

EECA has recently launched the ENERGYWISE fuel efficient tyre approval mark and website tool to inform consumers of their fuel efficient tyre options. ENERGYWISE-approved tyres must meet strict criteria for both fuel efficiency and safety in wet conditions, in line with internationally accepted test methods and standards.

Goodyear and Dunlop are leading brands in tyre technology and innovation. A key focus for them has been on increasing the fuel efficiency of tyres without compromising on other safety attributes such as wet and dry braking. These benefits, along with further developments such as improved durability, quietness and sports performance, are available within the Goodyear and Dunlop ENERGYWISE-approved range.

“We are very proud to have so many of our tyres recognized by EECA and ENERGYWISE as fuel efficient, it is validation of the work we put in to deliver meaningful innovations and benefits to our customers,” said head of technical, product and aviation at Goodyear & Dunlop Tyres New Zealand, Bill Prebble.

“Traditionally, tyre treads were primarily constructed from a mixture of rubber and carbon black. Advances in technology mean that functionalised polymer tread compounds ensure high molecular bonding between rubber and silica. The introduction of this technology lowers operating temperature, improving fuel efficiency without diminishing grip.”

To meet the ENERGYWISE fuel efficiency approval criteria, a tyre rolling resistance coefficient must be equal to or less than 9.0N/kN, which is within the top three of the European rolling resistance grades. The wet grip performance index must be equal to or larger than 1.10. This combination of specifications provides the end user with confidence that the tyres’ fuel-saving performance doesn’t compromise safety.

“Making the switch to ENERGYWISE-approved tyres such as the listed Goodyear and Dunlop products can help save a driver up to $500 over the life of a set of tyres, or up to 15 cents per litre.1”

For ENERGYWISE fuel efficiency approval, a tyre must not only show a low rolling resistance, but also achieve a minimum wet grip performance. This combination of specifications can now provide drivers with increased confidence in a tyres’ fuel-saving performance, as well as levels of safety.

“There are a number of things people can do to reduce their fuel use and CO2 emissions. One of those is to make a more informed choice when it comes to replacing tyres, which doesn’t have to be at the expense of other performance attributes,” said Prebble.

“It’s extremely positive to see the New Zealand government and the tyre industry introducing a voluntary fuel efficiency program such as this. We believe consumers will be well served by the EECA initiative, which empowers them to make a more informed decision about the purchase of their tyres.”

BREAKOUT

Prebble said developing a product that meets both the fuel saving and wet braking prerequisites to be approved as an ENERGYWISE fuel efficient tyre required major changes in tyre technology.

“While friction between a vehicle’s tyres and the road is vital for acceleration, braking and changing direction; a tyre’s rolling resistance may contribute up to 20% of a vehicle’s fuel consumption2,” said Prebble.

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