Bridgestone’s Bandag Tire Solutions is introducing its R197 low rolling-resistance radial engineered for superior fuel efficiency and long, even tread wear.
Approved for use on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay-certified vehicles while also being California Air Resources Board (CARB)-compliant, the new tire is suitable for all-position use, but is designed for single and tandem axle trailer and dolly applications in long haul and regional haul service.
“The R197 is the next generation trailer tire for fleets who demand exceptional fuel efficiency without sacrificing mileage,” says product manager Chris Hoffman.
“Its innovative casing and tread compounding promote lower rolling resistance for improved fuel economy, both when R197 is new and when it’s retreaded, which reduces total life cycle costs,” he adds.
Building on an energy-efficient casing and adding low rolling resistance tread and sidewall compounding, according to Hoffman, the tire combines fuel-efficient tread designs and a shallow 11/32-inch tread depth to further increase fuel economy, “offering fleet owners exceptional cost per mile.”
It has a Defense Groove design that helps create uniform pressure across the shoulder to minimize edge wear and cupping, he says. Stress relief siping along the rib edges promote even wear for higher mileage.
A classic straight-rib tread design evacuates water from the footprint for outstanding wet traction, while cross-rib sipes provide solid grip on wet roads, Hoffman notes.
To enhance durability, “the R197 incorporates tough shoulder protector ribs on both sidewalls to fight damage from cuts and abrasion from curbing,” he continues. “When one set of ribs is worn away, the tires can be reversed to expose a fresh set of ribs for continued protection.”
It is being introduced in size 295/75R22.5 with a G load rating.
For more information, visit www.bridgestonetrucktires.com and www.epa.gov/smartway.
