The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has adapted its self-sealing commercial tire technology on a broader scale for use on long-haul trucks.
The new Unisteel G316 LHT line-haul trailer tire featuring DuraSeal Technology

allows semi-trucks to continue operating after a tire is punctured by road debris up to 1/4-inch diameter in the repairable tread area, greatly reducing vehicle downtime and service calls. The new tire was introduced here to U.S. and Canadian tire dealers at an annual conference.
Already proven in mixed-service applications, such as logging, construction and mining, the technology uses a gel-like, solvent-free compound built into the inner liner of the tire. It consistently and instantly seals punctures with gel flowing into void areas and around objects less than 1/4-inch in diameter.
"The technology transfer into line-haul trucking is significant," said Steve McClellan, vice president of Goodyear commercial tire systems. "DuraSeal in the G316 LHT helps reduce fleet downtime, helps lower a company's cost of operation and enhances retreadability.
"Since we introduced DuraSeal Technology into mixed-service tires in 2005, trucking fleets have been clamoring for the technology in line-haul trailer tires," McClellan said.
"Self-sealing technology in trailer tires is relevant, since maintaining the inner tire of a dual-tire setup is difficult. Trailers usually are the least-maintained equipment in a fleet's operation. In addition, with the industry averaging four trailers for each tractor, there's a greater opportunity for DuraSeal to help long-haul fleets improve productivity," McClellan said.
The new tire features an all-steel four-belt package, helping to provide a solid foundation for multiple retreads, said Tim Richards, project manager for line-haul tires. A solid shoulder rib and innovative pressure distribution groove help resist shoulder wear.
To learn more about how DuraSeal Technology works, visit www.goodyear.com/truck/whatsnew/howItWorks.html.