Eco Plus compounding, the hallmark of Continental Tire the Americas’ low-rolling-resistance, fuel-saving medium radial truck tires, has been added to the tiremaker’s best-selling highway steer tire, the HSL2—and engineers say the tire wears it well.
So well, in fact, that Continental’s Commercial Vehicle Tire business unit is converting the entire portfolio of HSL2 products to the Eco Plus line. The previous-generation HSL2 will be phased out, with all sizes changed to HSL2 Eco Plus by the end of summer 2012, said brand manager Libor Heger.
“Even wear is crucial, if a fleet is looking for optimal steer tire performance,” said Heger. “With the latest generation of low-rolling-resistance compounding, the new HSL2 Eco Plus offers not only SmartWay-verified fuel-saving performance, but also advanced wear characteristics.”
The HSL2 Eco Plus brings several features from the previous-generation product, Heger said. The tire’s increased tread wear volume is a major longevity factor, with engineering specifically for balanced pressure distribution, and vectored forces within the tire’s footprint. Continental’s VAI, a graduated system of sipes that provide visual indication of proper alignment, is also included from the previous-generation product. But the Eco Plus tread compounding, specially formulated for low rolling resistance, and footprint modifications are what Conti engineers have incorporated in this new tire to guard against irregular wear.
Other features that ensure longer mileage and retreadability for the HSL2 Eco Plus are a four-ply belt package and advanced bead chafer construction for extended product life through retreading phases, Heger said.
The HSL2 Eco Plus is available now in sizes 11R22.5, 275/80R22.5, 11R24.5, and 285/75R24.5. These sizes offer 19/32nds tread depth and load ranges G and H. For specifications, visit www.continental-truck.com and explore the Goods section of long-haul tires for highway applications.
