Bridgestone tire trio

Three new Bridge-stone brand truck tires — one for each axle position — were rolled out by Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire LLC at its dealer conference in Chicago last month.

According to the company, the new radials — 276 EL drive, R287 steer, and R195F free-rolling trailer — are engineered to offer longhaul and long-regional-haul fleets greater original tire life and lower cost per mile.

Here are the key details on each:

• M276 EL is an enhancement of the M276. With a 32/32-in deep tread, this new “extra-life” version features an innovative design to combat irregular wear as well as a tougher compound. The company noted that with one of the deepest drive treads available, it will “deliver remarkably high removal miles.”

• R287 is all-new and boasts a combination of proven innovations to fight irregular wear. These include the company's patented Side Groove and Equalizer Rib features and a stiffer tread compound. It is aimed at fleets that typically remove steers because of irregular wear “long before they are worn out.”

• R195F is designed to resist curbing damage. It uses sidewall protector ribs to reduce scrub damage and to enhance retreadability. It also employs the company's Equalizer Rib and Defense Groove features to promote even wear.

“With these new tires,” noted commercial marketing director Kurt Danielson, “Bridgestone dealers can offer proven truck-tire technology that promotes even wear, dramatically extends original tread life and lowers total life cycle costs.”

For more information, contact any Bridgestone dealer or truckstop or call 800-543-7522, or go to www.trucktires.com.