Why are new tires more voracious?

When buying tires, many buyers are tormented by doubts due to the large selection - did they not make a mistake with their choice? The purchase is not cheap, and the functionality of the tires is extremely important. It becomes especially painful when, after the purchase, comments arise about the new tires compared to the old ones. How can new tires be worse in some way? This is indeed the case, and we detailed the parameters by which new tires can concede to worn-out tires. But, of course, fuel consumption deserves separate attention. New tires are significantly more voracious than worn-out tires.

As you know, all new models differ in greater energy efficiency than their predecessors. The latest model from Nokian, Hakkapeliitta 10, was no exception. According to the manufacturer's statements, the tire has become even more efficient due to reduced rolling resistance. The increase is small, no more than 5%, but even such progress can be considered significant in the overall consumption throughout the life cycle of the tire.

An interesting test was recently conducted by UTAC, where they compared Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 with maximum wear up to 4 mm. In a direct comparison, Hakkapeliitta 10 is two generations ahead of Hakkapeliitta 8 and significantly surpasses it in all characteristics. However, taking into account the wear, Hakkapeliitta 8 became more energy-efficient, surpassing the newer model by 2.5 liters per 100 km.

This is easily explained. Despite the use of more innovative materials, the physics of tire rolling resistance depends significantly on the height of the tread blocks. The higher the blocks, the greater the tire's rolling resistance. That's why tires with different wear levels cannot be compared in terms of fuel consumption. Moreover, one should be prepared for the fact that the consumption of new tires will always be noticeably higher than that of old worn-out tires. This is normal.