Plan for longer tyre life
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• A survey by a team of Goodyear tyre specialists has assisted Hilton Transport Services Ltd to reduce general tyre costs by approximately 15 per cent per annum. Radial-ply tyres are now fitted as standard on rigid vehicles and cross-ply tyres are being fitted on all semi-trailers. So that interchangeability can be achieved, cross-ply tyres are also fitted to tractive units as well as trailers. Kerbing and scrub effects on the company's semi-trailers make cross-ply tyres more suitable for articulated vehicle applications.
Past experience has led Hilton to specify the maximum ply rating for cross-ply tyres. The margin of load carrying capacity has been found to pay off in reducing failures and time off the road.
Goodyear also suggested that tyre mileage could be increased appreciably on the heavier vehicles with 20in. wheels by regrooving partially worn tyres. Both radial and cross-ply tyres (Goodyear) have sufficient depth of rubber to allow regrooving within closely controlled tolerances. By regrooving those tyres whose general condition remains good, the average life of a 20in. tyre has been increased by between 10,000 and 12,000 miles.