Diesel Prices are Sky High - The Smart Money is on Double Coin

Diesel fuel is nearing its highest price in a decade. Strong demand and a slow rebound in worldwide oil production have pushed prices higher, as have concerns that the Russian invasion of Ukraine could trigger international sanctions on Russia’s oil exports. Russia may then feel compelled to inflict pain on the global economy by cutting oil exports.

Diesel fuel prices will go down at some point . . . and they will go up again. The need to reduce operating costs by fleets and owner operators will always remain constant however.

It may be surprising to some that Double Coin TBR tires are among the most fuel efficient in the marketplace, but that is indeed the case.

Double Coin, Michelin and Continental were invited to participate in tests by FPInnovations’ PIT Group, a neutral third-party research organization. The results among all three brands were close, with Continental coming out on top and Double Coin second.

The PIT Group ran two separate comparison tests on steer, drive, and trailer tires run on three identically spec’d tractors and trailers. The tests were conducted according to TMC Fuel Consumption Test Procedure – Type III, RP 1103A. One test was a line haul test and the other was a regional haul test. In each test a tractor trailer combination was mounted with a complete set of steer, drive and trailer tires from each manufacturer.

In the line haul test the Double Coin tires tested were the RR680, FD405 and the IM105 patterns. The Continental tires tested were the Eco Plus HS3 on steer, HDL2 on drives and the HT3 on the trailer position. The Michelin tires tested were the X-Line Energy Z steer tires, the X-Line Energy D drive tires and the X-Line Energy T trailer tires.

The results of the line haul test were as follows:

Fuel Consumption (L/100 km)

• 31.99 - Continental
• 32.54 – Double Coin
• 32.68 - Michelin

Fuel Economy (MPG)

• 7.35 – Continental
• 7.23 – Double Coin
• 7.20 - Michelin

The regional test was run using the same methodology, but with tires designed for regional applications from each manufacturer. The Double Coin tires tested in the regional test were the RT606+, RLB1 and RR150 (pictured above). The Continental tires tested were the Hybrid HS3, HDR2 Eco Plus, and the HT3. The Michelin tires tested were the XZE2, XDN2, and the XZE2. The results were as follows:

Fuel Consumption (L/100 km)

• 32.41 – Continental
• 34.29 – Double Coin
• 34.58 - Michelin

Fuel Economy (MPG)

• 7.26 – Continental
• 6.86 – Double Coin
• 6.80 - Michelin

The RLB452 is a new addition to the Double Coin fuel efficient line-up. This durable regional/long-haul drive-position tire features a unique open shoulder directional tread design that delivers excellent traction in all weather and road conditions. The multi-extruded tread package also promotes cooler running, which helps to preserve casing integrity.