Goodyear Rolls Out G395 LHS Steer Tire
Goodyear's all-new steer tire for over-the-road fleets was designed from the ground up. According to Joe Zekoski, Goodyear's director of commercial tire technology, the G395 LHS began in a computer. Engineers built the tire component by component, and then fit each one into a detailed model. "Computers saved money, and prototype predictions were validated through tire testing, using multi-dimensional computer imaging," says Zekoski. This design results in more uniform wear, more miles to removal and better retreadability, he says.
A key component of the tire is Goodyear's pressure distribution design, which features a groove on the outer edge of the shoulder rib. The groove's bottom has a larger radius, which decreases pressure build-up. During cornering, the reduced pressure improves shoulder wear and reduces irregular wear and cupping, which Goodyear says increases tire life.
The steer tire's traction comes from lateral sipes and slots on the three main ribs. The "evolving" five-rib tread design features a barrel footprint to optimize treadwear performance. Also, as the original tread wears down, jagged/angled groove walls across the footprint are exposed to maximize traction and handling. "As mileage on the tire increases, the angled rib walls come into play," said Zekoski. "This gives us better traction over the life of the tire and allows the tire to be run longer."
Aside from the innovative design, Goodyear's confidence stems from its new Integrated Manufacturing Precision Assembly Cellular Technology (IMPACT). IMPACT, Goodyear says, substantially reduces errors in tire building by cutting the steps in the process in half and by increased computer control in manufacturing.
Uniformity is the goal, and Ted Fick, vice president of Goodyear's commercial tire division, says the smooth-riding tires prove the process is working. This uniformity also aids retreadability. "Goodyear's advanced tread compounding is key to the G395's retreadability," says Zekoski. "If you run a cool tire, casing life is extended."
Goodyear is so sure of the longevity of the new tire that the casing touts a limited warranty of seven years/700,000 miles. Moreover, Goodyear is offering fleets a chance to run the tires against all comers in a retread mileage challenge. If the G395 requires retreading before a competitor, the retread is free. According to Fick, "We're offering a no-risk opportunity."
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