Continental Tire North America has introduced two new truck tires-- the HSR2 for “heavy steer regional” applications and the HTL1, a wide-base tire for “heavy trailer long-haul” use.
The HSR2 replaces Continental’s HSR model. With a four-rib design for higher lateral stability and resistance to side forces commonly found in regional applications, the new HSR2 includes a patent-pending groove geometry that allows the use of more complex groove designs by undercutting, or tunneling under, the groove features, the tiremaker said.
Higher tread endurance and a 15% increase in removal miles over the original HSR design are other benefits, Continental said. In addition, the tire marks the debut of the company’s new Visual Alignment Indicator (VAI+) system. The system monitors useful tread depth. When the depth reaches 8/32nd in, a “plus” indicator changes to a “minus,” indicating that it is time to move the tire to the trailer axle. When the minus completely disappears, at 4/32nds, it indicates the tire has reached the lowest depth allowed by law. The HSR2 is available in 11R22.5, 275/80R22.5 and 11R24/24.5 sizes for load ranges G and H and a 285/75R24.5 size for load range G.
The HTL1 is a wide-base tire designed to replace duals on highway or regional trailer axles. It features a 13/32 in tread depth to minimize irregular wear while maximizing fuel efficiency, said the tiremaker. A six-rib design evenly distributes the load over the crown of the tire to protect the tread pattern and a decoupler rib provides better irregular wear resistance at the shoulder, Continental noted. The HTL1 is available in a 445/50R22.5 size.
