Tire rolling resistance tests have been conducted since the invention of the pneumatic tire. This testing technology is discussed with emphasis on the last 50 years and the near future, a period in which rolling resistance has become a much more urgent topic due to its association with automotive energy consumption/fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Today standardized tests capable of producing precise results are common. Un- fortunately, the test results are not ideal for computation of automotive fuel con- sumption. In this paper, the existing test methods are reviewed along with certain testing deficiencies responsible for producing less than ideal results for predicting the effect of rolling resistance on automotive fuel consumption.
The paper's summary concludes with a list of items requiring future research.