Vierintävastuksen

Vierintävastuksen is a Finnish term that translates to "rolling resistance" in English. It refers to the energy lost as a vehicle's tires deform and flex while rotating on a surface. This energy loss is converted into heat and sound, and it directly impacts a vehicle's fuel efficiency and performance.

The magnitude of rolling resistance depends on several factors. The type of tire is a significant contributor; softer rubber compounds and tires with deeper tread patterns generally exhibit higher rolling resistance than harder compounds and tires designed for lower resistance. Tire pressure also plays a crucial role. Underinflated tires deform more, increasing rolling resistance, while overinflated tires can also increase resistance and negatively affect handling and ride comfort. The surface on which the tires are rolling is another important factor. Driving on soft surfaces like sand or gravel creates much higher rolling resistance than driving on a smooth, hard asphalt road. The weight of the vehicle also contributes, as a heavier vehicle will exert more pressure on the tires, leading to greater deformation and thus higher rolling resistance.

Reducing rolling resistance is a key objective in automotive engineering, particularly for improving fuel economy and extending the range of electric vehicles. Manufacturers achieve this through tire design, using advanced materials and tread patterns. Maintaining proper tire inflation is also essential for drivers to minimize this energy loss.