For the Conti EcoPlus HT3, Continental engineers developed an all new, fuel efficient tread design, with four longitudinal grooves and a reduced void area.
Continental Tire the Americas LLC announced the launch of the Conti EcoPlus HT3, the first trailer tire in a new truck tire generation for the long haul goods sector.
The premium tire for the trailing axle has been developed for maximum cost effectiveness, incorporating greater fuel efficiency, long service life and retreadability.
This addition to the Generation 3 tire range for goods transport has been developed with a clear focus on maximum efficiency on the trailer axle, in order to help fleets optimize their driving costs and successfully navigate today’s competitive market, notes Continental.
“With trailer tires contributing more than 40% of the overall rolling resistance for a North American tractor and trailer combination, having the optimal tire on the trailer plays a crucial role in the efficiency of the whole vehicle. Conti EcoPlus HT3 will be our most fuel saving trailer tire yet,” said Alex Chmiel, Continental’s director of marketing for commercial vehicle tires – the Americas.
The pyramid-shaped triangular bars in the base of these tread grooves stabilize the new Conti EcoPlus HT3 against flexing in the tread, while its closed ribs and continuous shoulder provide optimal straight line tracking. These design features add stability and prevent distortion, which is especially demanding for maneuvering tasks typical for trailers, while giving a wider contact surface area for better rolling resistance.
The Conti EcoPlus HT3’s tread compound is also optimized for rolling resistance in a two-layer construction. The cap compound of the tread ensures optimal contact with the road surface for long service life, while the special compound of the tread base on the four-layer triangular belt casing reduces the heat generation in the crown for maximum reduction in rolling resistance.
Finally, Continental engineers added the new Fuel Saving Edge that relocates the rubber away from belt edges, where it’s most susceptible to hysteresis and heat buildup, and moves it to the center ribs where it’s needed for longer mileage.
Conti EcoPlus HT3 is now available in the North American markets in sizes 11R22.5, 11R24.5, 285/75R24.5 and 295/75R22.5, load range G and in 255/75R22.5 load range H. Additional sizes and a matching ContiTread retread product are set to be introduced in the coming months.
