Goodyear launches first AA-labelled truck tyre
Page 6
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
GOODYEAR IS launching what it claims is the first AA-labelled truck tyre, which should offer operators improved wet grip and better fuel efficiency.
Engineers have been developing a tyre that would qualify for the top ratings for wet grip and fuel efficiency under the European tyre labelling regulation, which comes into force on 1 November.
The European tyre label looks similar to existing energy-efficiency labels (such as on household appliances) with A being the highestperforming tyre in its category and G the lowest. The label will inform buyers of three key tyre performance attributes: fuel efficiency; wet grip performance; and exterior rolling noise via a db score.
Henk Van Tuyl, EMEA director of tyre technology at Goodyear, commercial tyres, said: “The difference between a complete set of new A-graded and F-graded tyres could reduce a truck’s fuel consumption by up to 15%, representing about £5,500 a year.
“In terms of wet grip, in the case of full braking, the difference between A-graded and F-graded tyres could be up to a 30% shorter braking distance. So for a truck driving at 80km/h, it could have up to a 25m shorter braking distance.” ● See our Buyers’ Guide on tyre management contracts at commercialmotor.com/buyers-guides/ tyre-management-contracts