Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions, a division of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, has introduced the new Bridgestone-brand R197 low rolling resistance radial for superior fuel efficiency and long, even tread wear.

The new tire is approved for use on Environmental Protection Agency SmartWay-certified equipment; they can be used with fleets running California Air Resources Board-compliant vehicles.

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," said Chris Hoffman, manager, TBR & retread product marketing, BBTS. "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."

The R197 is built with low rolling resistance tread, sidewall compounding and a shallow 11/32-inch tread depth. It also uses the Defense Groove design that helps create uniform pressure across the shoulder to minimize edge wear and cupping. 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, the company says. The R197 has tough shoulder protector ribs on both sidewalls to fight damage from cuts and abrasion from curbing.

More info: BridgestoneTrucktires.com