The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company announced today that it would expand its self-sealing commercial tire technology to include more mixed-service tires for vehicles that require maximum off-road traction. DuraSeal Technology will be available in Unisteel G177 severe-service drive tires. Rich Cottrell, product manager for mixed-service tires, said the technology’s expansion into the G177 "is a no-brainer...a perfect fit. Adding DuraSeal Technology to the rugged G177 will reduce vehicle downtime due to punctures." Goodyear G177’s aggressive tread design helps provide superb off-road traction. Mining, logging, landfill, road-building and other severe-service applications use the tires on the drive axle to give their equipment added grip, Cottrell said. The tire also features high-tear strength tread compound to help resist rubber chipping and chunking. An Enhanced Casing Design helps improve strength, puncture-resistance and retreadability, he added. "Adding DuraSeal Technology to this tough tire further enhances the G177’s value and helps fleets reduce their operating costs," Cottrell said. The technology helps seal tread-area punctures up to 1/4-inch diameter when they occur, greatly reducing vehicle downtime. The revolutionary technology – previously only available in Unisteel G287 MSA and G288 MSA mixed-service tires – allows tires to remain in service. They can be retreaded and retain sealing effectiveness, Cottrell said. The gel-like, solvent-free compound built into the inner liner of the tire consistently and instantly seals punctures up to 1/4 inch in the tread area. No other commercial tire manufacturer offers tires with built-in sealant, and the technology offers improved sealing efficiency compared to aftermarket liquid sealants, he said. Cottrell said tires featuring the technology "logically would move into severe service before it becomes mainstream. We will consider its use in other applications, based on customer needs." Available in sizes 11R22.5 H, 11R24.5 H and 12R22.5 H, the G177 mixed-service tire featuring DuraSeal Technology is manufactured in Goodyear’s Danville, Va., plant. A 12R24.5 H size will be available in September. Goodyear commercial tire systems offer complete products and services to the trucking industry, including a full range of original equipment and replacement tires. In addition, the company’s cradle-to-grave tire and service network includes retreading, tire management tools and business solutions for tomorrow’s trucking fleets. For more information on the award-winning DuraSeal Technology, go to http://www.goodyear.com/truck.