Goodyear introduces G392 SSD drive and G394 SST trailer wide-base tires for long-haul and regional-haul applications.

The new wide-base tires, which feature Fuel Max Technology, offer flat protection, thanks to Goodyear's DuraSeal Technology, a gel-like inner liner that instantly seals punctures of up to 1/4-inch in the repairable area of the tread. DuraSeal does not seal sidewall punctures.

"We feel our new wide-base tires are game-changers in the wide-base tire segment," said Donn Kramer, director of marketing for Goodyear Commercial Tire. "If a standard wide-base tire hits a nail or other debris and goes flat, there is no limp-home capability, and in about 30 percent of the cases, the tire deflates to a level where it ruins a $450 wheel.

"With Goodyear's DuraSeal Technology, our customers can now run confidently with wide-base and reap the weight-saving benefits of the tires, while gaining excellent fuel economy and long miles to removal," said Kramer. "Our DuraSeal Technology, which has been in use in our mixed service and trailer tires for several years, has been saving our customers money and downtime. It will also shine for our wide-base customers."

The G392 SSD and G394 SST are SmartWay-verified.

"The combination of our G392 and G394 can save more than 1,100 pounds over a dual assembly, and achieve comparable fuel economy numbers to other SmartWay-verified tires in the marketplace," Kramer noted."But, while DuraSeal Technology sets us apart, the tire also offers superior handling characteristics, with optimized tread depth in the drive position and a tread pattern that helps resist irregular wear."

G392 SSD DuraSeal + Fuel Max -- Goodyear's unique nine-rib design, with eight wide, circumferential grooves, provides all-season traction in dry, wet and snowy conditions. Combined with its deep, 25/32-inch tread depth for long initial tire life, the tire tested with superior results in wet and dry traction at Goodyear's test facility in San Angelo, Texas, and snow performance testing in Minnesota.

According to Kramer, the design of the tread is coupled with a casing construction that restricts casing expansion to help alleviate irregular wear. "Our tire's footprint remains constant to allow uniform wear," he said. "This, along with the tire's ability to withstand most punctures thanks to DuraSeal, means our customers can utilize the tire's original tread life to the fullest measure. What's more, it allows for retreading and even more miles in its second life."

The G392 SSD is available in load range "L" in a 445/50R22.5 size.

G394 SST DuraSeal + Fuel Max

Featuring a five-rib design with minimal blades, the G394 SST has tread compounding for SmartWay verification and long miles to removal. Its 12/32-inch tread depth provides an excellent balance to maximize fuel economy, weight and tread life. The optimized tread and mold design provides for a uniform footprint to help resist irregular wear while providing a quiet ride. The tire's robust shoulder design and casing construction helps it resist curbing damage. The G394 SST is available in load range "L" in a 445/50R22.5 size.

Matching Retreads

In the fourth quarter, Goodyear will offer matching retreads for both the G392 SSD and G394 SST. "The retread looks and performs like the original tread, plus features the same tread depth on the trailer tire, and 24/32nds of tread on the drive tire to maximize miles to removal," said Kramer.