Warren with Harbor Truck Body and Van shows off the modular van interiors bin packages available for all types of commercial vans. See more at http://www.harbortruck.com
8/29/25
Modular Van Interiors From Harbor Truck & Van
Warren with Harbor Truck Body and Van shows off the modular van interiors bin packages available for all types of commercial vans. See more at http://www.harbortruck.com
8/27/25
Find a Harbor Truck Body Dealer in Sacramento, CA
DOWNTOWN FORD SALES
525 N. 16TH ST., SACRAMENTO, CA, 95814
Contact Commercial Department
(916) 442-6931 Get Directions
HANLEES CHEVROLET
4989 CHILES RD., DAVIS, CA 95616
Contact Commercial Department
(530) 231-3300 Get Directions
MAITA CHEVROLET
9650 AUTO CENTER DR. ELK GROVE, CA, 95758
Contact Commercial Department
(916) 691-2800 Get Directions
FOLSOM CHEVROLET
12655 AUTO MALL CIR., FOLSOM, CA, 95630
Contact Commercial Department
(916) 985-5600 Get Directions
HOBLIT DODGE
333 MAIN ST. WOODLAND, CA, 95695
Contact Commercial Department
(530) 662-4667 Get Directions
FUTURE FORD
650 AUTO MALL DR., ROSEVILLE, CA, 95661
Contact Commercial Department
(916) 969-3600 Get Directions
ABEL CHEVROLET
280 N. FRONT ST., RIO VISTA, CA 94571
Contact Commercial Department
(707) 374-6317 Get Directions
WHEELER CHEVROLET
350 COLUSA AVE, YUBA CITY,CA 95991
Contact Commercial Department
(530) 673-9160 Get Directions
TEAM CHEVROLET
301 AUTO MALL PKWY, VALLEJO, CA, 94591
Contact Commercial Department
(707) 643-9000Get Directions
FORD LINCOLN FAIRFIELD
3050 AUTO MALL COURT, FAIRFIELD, CA, 94534
Contact Commercial Department
(866) 697-6610Get Directions
DOW LEWIS GMC
2913 COLUSA HWY., YUBA CITY, CA, 95993
Contact Commercial Department
(530) 674-2000Get Directions
ALL STAR FORD
3800 CENTURY WAY, PITTSBURG, CA 94565
Contact Commercial Department
(925) 752-7800 Get Directions
Couldn't Find a Harbor Dealer Near You??
Call Harbor at (800) 433-9452 for more information, or to find a stocking dealer near you.
8/25/25
Fleet 101: Understanding Truck Tires and Rolling Resistance
Do you genuinely understand how rolling resistance in commercial truck tires impacts your operation? Understanding rolling resistance, its impacts, and why it matters is vital for fleet managers looking to enhance fuel economy and reduce operating costs.
Several factors impact rolling resistance, including tire design, pressure, load distribution, road conditions, weather, and speed. Adopting strategies such as selecting low rolling resistance tires, maintaining proper tire pressure, conducting regular tire maintenance, and load management can help minimize rolling resistance.
Read on for more information and tips! Want to make sure you never miss an update from Work Truck? Subscribe to our eNewsletter today!
What is Rolling Resistance?
In simplest terms, rolling resistance is the amount of energy a tire uses over a specific distance. It can also be explained as the force resisting the motion when a tire rolls on a surface. Rolling friction is a key factor contributing to rolling resistance, affecting the energy losses and overall efficiency of a vehicle. It’s a crucial factor in the physics of moving vehicles, directly influencing fuel consumption, vehicle performance, and how fast tires wear.
Rolling resistance impacts fuel consumption and vehicle performance by indicating how different factors like tire pressure and load affect the resistance a vehicle faces.
When a tire rolls, it deforms and dissipates energy as heat, necessitating additional energy (fuel) to maintain speed and overcome this resistance.
According to Continental Tire, rolling resistance accounts for up to 30% of a truck’s fuel consumption and C02 emissions. Whether you operate a small fleet of a few trucks or a large fleet with several hundred vehicles, ANY fuel savings and emissions reductions can add up.
Understanding 'Tire Hysteresis' in Commercial Fleets
No, we didn't start making up words - tire hysteresis happens when a tire flexes as it touches the surface of the road. This process leads to an energy loss that reduces forward momentum.
This one element can equate to 85-90% of a tire's rolling resistance, according to research.
Additional Factors Impacting Truck Tire Rolling Resistance
Several factors can affect the rolling resistance of truck tires, including:
Tire Design: A tire’s materials and structure influence its flexibility and deformation while rolling. Tires with low rolling resistance typically use special rubber compounds and tread designs.
Tire Pressure & Alignment: Underinflated tires have a higher rolling resistance than properly inflated ones. Maintaining optimal tire pressure is critical to minimizing resistance. Proper inflation pressure directly impacts rolling resistance by stabilizing tire temperature, reducing tire deflection, and stiffening the tire belt. Additionally, properly aligned tires will wear evenly and smoothly, reducing friction with the road.
Load Distribution: The weight of the vehicle and its cargo also affects rolling resistance. Heavier loads increase resistance, requiring more fuel to maintain speed. Where you place your loads can also increase rolling resistance and uneven tire wear.
Tire Deflection: Minimizing tire deflection is crucial for reducing energy loss. Engineering tires to minimize deflection can significantly lower rolling resistance, contributing to better fuel efficiency.
Tire Width: The width of a tire plays a significant role in its rolling resistance. Wider tires, which have become more common in recent years, can increase rolling resistance, affecting fuel efficiency.
Road Conditions: Surface texture and terrain play a significant role. Smoother surfaces offer less rolling resistance than rough or off-road conditions.
Weather: Higher temperatures can soften tire rubber compounds, improving grip but increasing rolling resistance.
Speed: The effect of rolling resistance becomes more pronounced at higher speeds, making it an important consideration for long-haul operations.
According to Continental Tire, rolling resistance is one of five sources, including gravity, aerodynamics, inertia, and mechanical friction, which must be overcome for a work truck to move forward.
Why Does Rolling Resistance Matter to Commercial Work Truck Fleets?
Rolling resistance is critical for fleet managers because of its impact on fuel economy. A lower rolling resistance means the vehicle consumes less fuel to maintain speed, directly translating to cost savings.
For fleets operating across vast distances, even a slight improvement in fuel efficiency can significantly reduce operational expenses.
Furthermore, reducing rolling resistance contributes to a fleet's environmental sustainability efforts. Lower fuel consumption means reduced greenhouse gas emissions, helping fleets to meet regulatory requirements and environmental targets.
Strategies to Minimize Rolling Resistance in Truck Tires
So, can fleet managers make any impact when reducing rolling resistance on their fleet tires? Can rolling resistance be avoided? Not completely, but work truck fleet managers can adopt several strategies to minimize rolling resistance and optimize fuel efficiency. By implementing these strategies, fleet managers aim to overcome rolling resistance, which is crucial for maintaining steady speed on level ground and optimizing fuel efficiency.
Select Low Rolling Resistance Tires: Consider those specifically designed for low rolling resistance when choosing tires. These tires can help achieve better fuel efficiency without compromising safety or performance.
Maintain Proper Tire Pressure: Regularly check and maintain tire pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Implementing a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) or automatic tire inflation system (ATIS) can automate this process.
Perform Regular Tire Maintenance: Routine inspections and maintenance, including checking treadwear, alignment, and balance, can prevent uneven wear and extend tire life, reducing rolling resistance over time. Replacing worn tires saves more than fuel: it can also help avoid dangerous blowouts.
Keep an Eye on Load Management: Consider vehicle weight, how you distribute your cargo, and how much your load weighs. Efficiently managing vehicle and cargo weight can also help minimize rolling resistance. Use load optimization strategies to distribute weight evenly and avoid overloading.
Lauren Fletcher
Executive Editor - Fleet, Trucking & Transportation
Lauren Fletcher is Executive Editor for the Fleet, Trucking & Transportation Group. She has covered the truck fleet industry since 2006. Her bright personality helps lead the team's content strategy and focuses on growth, education, and motivation.
VIEW BIO8/23/25
Support That Matters: Why Fleet Customers Choose Ford Pro™ | Customer Interviews | Ford Pro
Find out why customers like Sunbelt Rentals, DTE Energy, and the City of Detroit all rely on Ford Pro™ for comprehensive fleet solutions that help accelerate productivity. As Sunbelt's Craig Cannons puts it, “All the support ties into the total transportation relationship.”
8/21/25
Towing Overview | Ford How-To | Ford
This informative video will help explain some of the features your vehicle may have that can help with towing a trailer.
8/19/25
VMAC Multifunction Power Systems: 6-in-1 Multi-Power Systems
8/17/25
Essential Business. Essential Solutions. | Ford Pro
When your business is part of the Essential Economy, downtime and hassles aren’t an option. See how Ford Pro™ works hard to make your job easier and keep your fleet in motion with exceptional productivity tools and smart solutions for all aspects of your operation, giving your business an edge where it counts.
8/15/25
8/13/25
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8/11/25
Chevy Trucks: Dependability Comes Standard | Chevrolet
There’s a reason Chevy is called the Heartbeat of America. Our Trucks hold their ground. They are strong and unwavering, just like the people who keep this country moving. In every Chevy truck, like every Chevy driver, dependability comes standard.
8/09/25
Ford Ranger Raptor PRODUCTION Line in Thailand | Ford Factory
Ford Ranger Raptor PRODUCTION, pickup assembly
AutoAlliance Thailand (AAT) is the name of a joint venture automobile assembly firm co-owned by Ford and Mazda in Rayong province, Thailand. Modeled after the Ford-Mazda AutoAlliance International joint venture in the United States, AAT builds compact pickup trucks and SUVs primarily for the Southeast Asian market, with exports to Australia and other developing markets as well.
8/07/25
Pro Trailer Backup Assist Demo (How to Back Up a Trailer Easily) | Ford Towing Tech
Learn about the available Pro Trailer Backup Assist on the Ford F-150® truck designed to make it easy.
8/05/25
How to Set Up Trailer Profiles | A Ford Towing Video Guide | Ford
This video walks you through the process of adding and saving your trailer’s information in your Ford F-Series® truck. Trailer Profiles on Ford F-Series trucks allow you to save the information of up to 10 trailers in your vehicle’s SYNC® System. Once the information is saved, you simply need to select that trailer as the “active” trailer whenever it is connected to your truck.
Watch more: 
• Towing Tips, Tools and Tech | Ford
For more information on towing with Ford: https://www.ford.com/towing/
For more videos and information about your Ford vehicle: https://www.ford.com/support/
For all your Ford Accessories: https://accessories.ford.com
• Towing Tips, Tools and Tech | Ford
For more information on towing with Ford: https://www.ford.com/towing/
For more videos and information about your Ford vehicle: https://www.ford.com/support/
For all your Ford Accessories: https://accessories.ford.com 8/03/25
Proper Weight Distribution and Trailer Sway Control | A Ford Towing Video Guide | Ford
In this video, we’ll cover how to properly load your trailer for optimal stability when towing. We’ll also talk about Trailer Sway Control, a feature that can help you maintain stability if you encounter trailer sway.
8/01/25
Ford Pro Fleet Management Software & Services Overview | Ford Pro
Learn how Ford Pro™ Fleet Management Software and Services can help you manage your fleet and help improve operational efficiency.
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