21 Jul 2014
ERJ staff report (PR)
Stoke-on-Trent – Michelin has launched a new trailer tire across Europe, which it estimates can provide a 0.7-litre saving in fuel per 100km and a 10-percent increase in mileage potential versus its predecessor.
Labelled 385/65 R 22.5 X Multi T, the tire is also said to offer enhanced longitudinal and lateral grip on dry and wet surfaces due to a tread designed for more effective water dispersal and even wear.
These features, said Michelin, are important given trailer tires are responsible for 45 percent of the braking performance on a fully loaded articulated vehicle.
The tire employs a rubber compound produced using new components and a new compounding process, said to lower tire operating temperature by 6°C - further reducing rolling resistance and wear. Michelin is also introducing RFID chips into the X Multi T to enable managers monitor the tires across a fleet.
Under, the European tire labelling system, the product achieves a B in rolling resistance and wet braking and emits just 69 db of sound, placing it in the lowest noise category.
Using Michelin’s Remix retreading technology, the 65-series X Multi T has a retread acceptability rate of 88 percent. When retreaded, it saves 55kg of raw materials versus manufacturing a completely new tire, the company added.
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