Goodyear's Danville, Va., tire plant has produced its 1 millionth Unisteel G395 LHS medium-truck steer tire. Now in its third year, the G395 LHS reached this milestone four years faster than its predecessor, the G397.

The G395 LHS has turned out to be Goodyear's most successful steer tire ever, a continuation of the Akron Technical Center's steer tire development.
Even prior to Goodyear's Assurance tire line introduction, the company set out to make the industry's best commercial steer tire. In the same way that engineers turned to new materials and technology to make the best car tire, commercial tire scientists used technology to energize the company's linehaul tire lineup, according to Donn Kramer, director of commercial tire marketing.
They used a unique pressure distribution groove to reduce pressure buildup on the tire shoulders, cooler running tread compounds, a barrel-shaped footprint to place more tread on the pavement, enhanced casing design for improved retread capabilities and a precision manufacturing process for better uniformity and longer tire lifespan, Kramer said.
Steer tires – every 18-wheeler only uses two – are difficult to make. The tires are subject to more wear and carry heavier loads than any other tire position. They are more prone to irregular wear, particularly in the shoulder area, he said.
The steer tire is specified by International, Freightliner, Volvo and Mack Trucks.