Many
manufacturers, like Michelin and Continental Tire, are developing self-sealing
tire technology focused for light-duty passenger vehicles. The Goodyear Tire
& Rubber Co. main focus with the DuraSeal self-sealing tire line is
especially for truck fleets. This is music to utility fleet’s ears.
Self-sealing tires can be a great asset and allowing operators to travel across
hazardous terrain without worry of a flat tire.
How does
this self-sealing tire technology work? Each tire contains an extra layer of a unique,
sticky substance that covers the inside of the tire from side to side. When a
puncture occurs, this substance seals the hole automatically. The DuraSeal
technology seal punctures up to a quarter-inch in diameter, within the
repairable area of the tread. Drivers are able to continue traveling
indefinitely, as long as the sidewalls aren’t affected. In instances where repairs
are needed, the self-sealing technology buys the driver time to reach a safe
place to work.
“Utility
fleet trucks often travel across challenging, debris-strewn surfaces en route
to their destinations and are sometimes exposed to objects that have the
potential to puncture their tires, which can result in vehicle downtime, an expensive
proposition for utility companies,” said Norberto Flores, marketing manager
at Goodyear. “Goodyear DuraSeal
Technology is designed to help minimize downtime by allowing truck tires to
retain air pressure and continue rolling.”
Flores goes
on to explain that the DuraSeal technology offers its benefits throughout the
tire’s life cycle, including multiple retreads. There is currently a wide range
of tires available in the U.S. with the DuraSeal Technology; however, these
tires do come with a much bigger price tag. Even though these tires cost about
three times as much as a standard tire, they will eventually pay for themselves
over time. Fleet managers need to factor in the decreased vehicle downtime and
fewer tire replacements to justify purchasing.
Another
great way to decrease your fleet downtime is with a Fleetwest transferable
truck body. Fleetwest offers both heavy duty steel and lightweight composite
models. All models are 100% transferable from one truck to another, even fully
loaded, in minutes. They universally fit most full size pickup trucks, 8’ and
6.5’ beds, with a no holes drilled installation making it built to last
multiple truck cycles. Fleetwest provides the innovative solutions to optimize
your fleets’ productivity and work flow.
For more information, call a Fleetwest representative today toll-free in
the U.S. at (866)497-7200 or visit www.fleetwest.net.
Load'N'Go Fixed Top
Durashell DS285
