Bridgestone introduces two ultra wide base tires
Bridgestone Americas Inc. announced the launch of two new ultra wide base tires, the Greatec M835A Ecopia tire for the drive position and the Greatec R197 Ecopia tire for the trailer position. Designed for use on tandem-axle applications in long haul service, the new Greatec ultra wide base Ecopia tires can deliver up to 20%
An in-depth look at steer, drive tire issues
Maintaining proper tire pressures in all positions is a challenge. While automatic tire inflation systems (ATIS) are available for trailer tires, maintaining a constant, and correct, pressure in tractor tires is trickier. Both Meritor and Dana have previewed tractor tire inflation systems, but they are not currently available. Much of maintaining proper tire pressure in
Tire casings that live another day
Fleet managers are well aware that tires make up a significant chunk of their expenses. Tires are the second-highest cost for fleets, behind fuel; clearly, it’s important to have a program in place to manage the tires all the way from cradle to grave. The tire casing is the key to a tire cost management
Bridgestone releases all-position retread for refuse applications
Bridgestone Americas has announced the launch of its new Bandag BRM3 retread. The Bandag BRM3 retread, which features a proprietary compound and advanced tread design, is engineered to deliver a balance of long wear, durability and traction and is designed to be used as an all-position tire in the refuse industry, the company said. “Bridgestone continues
Truck tire retreads: Taking advantage of verified SmartWay offerings
“SmartWay verification is becoming an increasingly important designation for retreads as more fleets realize that the use of fuel-efficient retreads can help them control their costs more effectively,” says Brian Buckham, general manager of product marketing for Goodyear Commercial Tire. “By leveraging new tire compounding technology and tread designs, we can continue to make strides
Tire, wheel programs can help fleets reduce downtime
“The more you see them, the fewer problems you’ll experience,” says Walt Weller, vice president of sales at Double Coin Tire, the exclusive distributor of Double Coin products in North America. “One of the most expensive issues for fleets is road service for tires, and much of the time those are preventable problems.” Double Coin,
Making a case for better tire care
A case could be made for the statement, “the best tires are only as good as their air pressure.” If the correct tire air pressure is not maintained, tires will fail prematurely. According to Gary Schroeder, director of commercial vehicle and OEM sales for Cooper Tire, “Everyone will agree that the No.1 tip for longer
Rolling with retreads: Extending efficiency and controlling tire TCO
Like most segments of the heavy-duty trucking industry, the fuel efficiency trend is rolling through tire retreads. While the conversation used to revolve around miles to removal, today’s talks are skewing toward fuel efficiency and total cost of ownership (TCO). “For most fleets, fuel costs represent the single highest non-payroll operating expense. So fewer stops
Bridgestone Commercial Solutions Learning Center expands course options
Bridgestone Commercial Solutions (BCS) has expanded the dealer network training programs in its BCS Learning Center to better accommodate today’s diverse learning styles. Courses are now available in e-learning, mobile learning, performance-based, active instructor-based and mentor options. “Studies show that adult learners must practice, perform and receive feedback on skills in order to most successfully
Managing tires matters: Products and systems to ensure uptime, lower operating costs
With well over one million tires on the road, it’s highly appropriate that Ryder System’s vice president of supply management, Scott Perry, uses the word “dynamic” when he’s describing the company’s extensive Total Tire Management program. “With a commercial fleet nearing 200,000 vehicles, we have approximately 1.25 million tires in our system,” he says. “Needless