The ContiCostCalculator compares tire-related costs taking Standard Liner dimensions as a basis: Steering axle (Steer): 315/80 R22.5; drive axle (Drive): 315/80 R22.5; trailing axle (Trailer): 385/65 R22.5. With regard to vehicle configuration, a fully loaded (40t), standard five-axle articulated truck (4x2) is assumed.

The following axle load distribution is taken as a basis: Steer: 6.5t (≈16%) / Drive: 9.5t (≈24%) / Trailer: 24t (≈60%)
The ContiCostCalculator concept and process were certified by DEKRA Certification GmbH in 2009.

Usage types: In so called “allround” use, approx. 70% usage on secondary roads and in urban areas and approx. 30 % usage on long-distance routes (relatively constant straight roads) is assumed. In “motorway” usage, the ratio is approx. 20% secondary roads and urban areas and approx. 80% long-distance.

Tire costs: The annual costs are calculated from the total costs (specified costs minus specified credit notes) per kilometer of the total kilometers covered by the tires, multiplied by the kilometers covered by the vehicle in a year. The costs are country-specific and have been taken from official manufacturer price lists or market surveys. The total mileage of the tire is the distance covered until the tread depth of 1.6 mm (minimum legal tread depth in most European countries) is reached. The standard values are average values (=mean values) that were established by Continental’s research and development in field tests. A calculated value is used for the total mileage of retread tires. It was developed by Continental research and development on the basis of the wear volume, the wear resistance and the wear pattern of these tires.

Fuel-savings potential: The fuel-savings potential is the possible reduction in fuel consumption, which can be achieved by using Continental tires with optimized rolling resistance, as a percentage value. The share in the rolling resistance of the tires at the different axle positions corresponds approximately with the axle share of the total load (here: Tractor with trailer, three trailing axles, 40t): Steering axle approx. 15%, drive axle approx. 25%, trailing axle approx. 60%. The proportion of the rolling resistance in the overall driving resistance has been calculated at 40% for motorway use and at 30% for allround use. The rolling resistance coefficient (kg/t) is the relationship between the rolling resistance (energy loss from overcoming the deformation resistance of the tire) in newtons and the load per tire in kilonewtons. The calculation values are average values measured by Continental Research and Development in an L-RORIC rolling resistance drum test at 80km/h using warmed-up new tires in compliance with ISO/CD28580.

The rolling resistance coefficient for retreaded tires is a calculatory value based upon indicators developed by Continental research and development.

Potential increase in income due to additional payload: Lower tire weights allow for a higher payload. The percentage gain in payload corresponds with the potential increase in income that is given in the respective local currency. The tire weight is set in relation to average freight charges, which are in turn differentiated according to “allround” and “motorway”-application, taking the number of trucks into account.

Total cost advantage: The percentage cost advantage is calculated from the total potential savings plus the potential additional income resulting from the possible additional payload in relation to the tire-related operating costs.

All non-product-specific standard values correspond with the experiences of Continental customer service and can be modified.

CO2 values: Institute for Energy and Environmental Research, Heidelberg, Germany (2.64kg/l).