IMI has unveiled Equal Flexx, an internal balancing tire product which removes 10 to 15% more vibration from the wheel-end, increasing tire mileage by up to 45%. It is an enhancement of IMI’s Equal balancer.
“Equal Flexx reduces fuel and tire costs by removing vibration from the wheel-end. This optimizes the efficiency of the entire rotating assembly,” says Bob Fogal, chief executive officer of IMI. “The benefits of all wheel position balancing have been validated by fleets across the country.”
Wheel-end vibration is wasted energy, causing wasted fuel. By eliminating wheel-end vibration, Equal Flexx significantly reduces tire-related rolling resistance when compared to no balancing method and other balancing methods. Fleets can expect fuel economy improvements of 2.5% or more, according to IMI.
By reducing wheel-end vibration and solidifying a tire’s footprint, Equal Flexx can significantly increase tire take off mileage. This reduces irregular tire wear and creates less wear on the tire, the truck/trailer, and the driver.
Like Equal, the new Equal Flexx is installed by dropping a pouch into a tire during the mounting process. The pouch breaks open, allowing the balancing compound to disperse and continuously adjust to changes including tire wear, vehicle load, and road conditions.
Equal Flexx is patent pending and will be available in late April.
