From Staff & Wire Reports

AKRON, OHIO -- On Jan. 12, selected members of the media were invited to preview two new commercial mixed-service tires, plus a unique built-in tire sealant, that the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. was set to introduce at the World of Concrete trade show this week in Las Vegas.

The first new tire, the Unisteel G287 mixed-service tire, replacing the G286, is a highway commercial tire that can also perform in off-road conditions, according to Goodyear.

“The G287 MSA tire is primarily for highway applications - about 80 percent highway and 20 percent off-road,” said Donn Kramer, director of commercial tire marketing at Goodyear.

The G287 features a “high-mileage tread compound and wide footprint that delivers up to 40 percent more miles to removal compared to the G286,” said Goodyear in a release announcing the new tire.

Secondly, Goodyear introduced its new Unisteel G288 mixed-service tire, which Kramer explained, is most appropriate for off-road applications - “about 80 percent off-road and 20 percent highway,” he said.

The G288 MSA tire replaces Goodyear’s G286 tire and provides up to 30 percent more miles to removal, a wider footprint and increased tread volume. In addition, a new severe-service tread compound and improved belt package deliver better resistance to cutting, chipping and tearing, Goodyear said.

Both new tires will be available with Goodyear’s new DuraSeal technology, also announced for the first time on Jan. 12. The essence of the DuraSeal technology is a “built-in sealant” that allows commercial trucks to continue operating after a tire is punctured.

The sealant, made of a gel-like compound, is built into the inner liner of the tire before curing and reportedly provides an instant seal once the tire is punctured. It repairs punctures up to 1/4 inch in the tread area only, according to Goodyear.

Goodyear contrasted its new DuraSeal technology with aftermarket liquid sealants, which, the tiremaker said, can be messy to use and are only a temporary fix.

“DuraSeal reduces repair, downtime and tire replacement costs,” said Steve McClellan, vice president of Goodyear’s commercial tire systems division.

In addition, a tire equipped with DuraSeal can be retreaded multiple times and still retain its self-sealing qualities. DuraSeal remains for the life of the tire and never needs to be removed, according to Goodyear.

Goodyear will formally launch and provide more details about these new product offerings at its dealer meeting in Dallas in early February. The tiremaker will also provide point-of-sale materials for its dealers to help them sell the new products.

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