Eco Plus compounding, the hallmark of Continental’s low rolling resistance, fuel saving medium radial truck tires, has been added to the tiremaker’s best-selling highway steer tire, the HSL2 – and the company’s engineers say “the tire wears it well.”
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So well, in fact, that Continental is converting its entire portfolio of HSL2 tires to the Eco Plus line. The previous generation HSL2 will be phased out, with all sizes changed to HSL2 Eco Plus by the end of the summer, according to category manager Libor Heger.
“Even wear is crucial, if a fleet is looking for optimal steer tire performance. With the latest generation of low rolling resistance compounding, the new HSL2 Eco Plus offers not only SmartWay verified fuel saving performance, but also advanced wear characteristics,” Heger says.
The tire’s increased treadwear volume is a major longevity factor, with engineering specifically for balanced pressure distribution and vectored forces within the tire’s footprint, he notes.
The company’s VAI, a graduated system of sipes that provide a visual indication of proper alignment, is also included from the previous generation tire. But the tread compounding, specially formulated for low rolling resistance, and footprint modifications are what Conti engineers have incorporated in this new tire to guard against irregular wear, Heger explains.
“Components of the Eco Plus compound were specifically selected to reduce two major concerns with steer tires: Decoupler groove cracking and micro-cracking in the sipes. Both of these contribute to irregular wear and premature removal of the tire. In addition, we’ve modified the footprint of this tire for maximum performance. More even pressure distribution in the footprint versus the previous generation HSL2 reduces slippage and tread ‘snap,’ which also delivers more even wear,” he says.
“By utilizing our expertise in fuel efficient compounding, as well as delivering better wear through an advanced layout, we can now offer both the lowered rolling resistance and long mileage that fleets demand,” says Heger.
Other features that ensure longer mileage and retreadability are a premium four-ply belt package and advanced bead chafer construction for extended product life through the retreading phases, he says.
It is available in sizes 11R22.5, 275/80R22.5, 11R24.5 and 285/75R24.5. They offer 19/32nds tread depth and load ranges G and H.
For more information, visit www.continental-truck.com.
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