OTTAWA — According to a study conducted by the National Research Council on behalf of Transport Canada, low-rolling resistance tires offer a similar level of snow traction performance as conventional tires, provide better fuel economy and reduce emissions.

The study, titled Packed Snow Performance of Low Rolling Resistance Class 8 Heavy Truck Tires, examined several brands of tires to assess their performance in packed snow winter conditions. (Tires used were chosen from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Program’s approved list, Transport Canada noted.)

The need for the study came out of public consultations on Canada’s proposed Heavy-duty Vehicle and Engine Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations, which are "expected to come into force for 2014 model years and beyond," Transport Canada said. There were concerns that low-rolling resistance tires would reduce traction performance in Canadian winter conditions, particularly when equipped on class 8 long-haul heavy trucks.

The study’s results, as well as other test results from the ecoTechnology for Vehicles program, will help shape Canada’s proposed emission regulations for heavy-duty vehicles and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

For more test results on the ecoTechnology for Vehicles program, visit Transport Canada's website.