DALLAS – The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has adapted its self-sealing commercial tire technology on a broader scale for use on long-haul trucks. The new Unisteel G316 LHT line-haul trailer tire featuring DuraSeal Technology allows semi-trucks to continue operating after a tire is punctured by road debris up to ¼-inch diameter in the repairable tread area, greatly reducing vehicle downtime and service calls. The new tire was introduced to U.S. and Canadian tire dealers at an annual conference.
Already proven in mixed-service applications — such as logging, construction, and mining — the technology uses a gel-like, solvent-free compound built into the inner liner of the tire. It consistently and instantly seals punctures with gel flowing into void areas and around objects less than ¼-inch in diameter.
“The technology transfer into line-haul trucking is significant,” said Steve McClellan, vice president of Goodyear commercial tire systems. “DuraSeal in the G316 LHT helps reduce fleet downtime, lowers a company’s cost of operation, and enhances retreadability. For Goodyear, the new tire expands our premium product line in the biggest segment of trucking — long-haul. DuraSeal helps us deliver difference-making real value to end-users looking for solutions.
Nearly half of all commercial tires sold are for long-haul, the 18-wheelers that transport goods cross country; the remainder are for mixed-service — trucks that travel on- and off-road in their work, regional pickup and delivery, recreational vehicles, buses, and towable trailers.
Goodyear is using DuraSeal in the G316 LHT trailer tire, which also is available in a fuel-efficient version featuring Fuel Max Technology.
The new tire features an all-steel four-belt package, helping to provide a solid foundation for multiple retreads. A solid shoulder rib and innovative pressure distribution groove help resist shoulder wear. The G316 LHT and matching retreads sport a 12/32nd-inch tread for more miles to removal. The tire is manufactured in Goodyear’s Danville, Va., manufacturing plant.
