Continental Tyres has introduced a new range of steer and drive-axle tyres designed to help reduce costs for heavy trucks that cover high mileage on motorways.

Using a 40-tonne articulated truck/trailer as the benchmark, Continental calculates that its HSL1 (steer-axle tyre) and HDL1 (drive-axle tyre) 'Eco-Plus' range can reduce tyre-dependent operating costs by up to 4.4 per cent for fleet operators.

Tyre-dependent costs include fuel, maintenance, and repairs - as well as the cost of the tyres themselves - and comprise 29% of the general costs of operating a 40-tonne truck in Europe. Choosing the correct type of tyre for the operating environment can make a significant difference to operating costs.

In an analysis of European sales by segment versus tonne-kilometres, regional transport tyres accounted for 75 per cent of sales, while long-distance tyres accounted for only 9 per cent. However, regional traffic clocked up 366 billion-tonne kilometres, compared with 1,100 billion-tonne kilometres for long-distance traffic*. "This indicates considerable use of inappropriate tyres," explained Jill Rodgers, Marketing Manager for Truck Tyres in the UK and Ireland.

"A 40-tonne articulated truck, which travels 125,000 miles per year - at average fuel prices and road speeds in Europe - could potentially save more than £1,400 per truck per year by switching to the correct type of tyre. Long-distance haulage accounts for around 16 per cent of traffic volume in Europe, and is forecast to increase by 2.7 per cent by 2008, at the expense of regional and local traffic - so there are very significant savings to be made by fleet operators if they choose wisely."

The structural strength of the new tyres is designed to control flexing which reduces heat generation. This helps the tyres maintain the optimum contour for efficient load distribution, reducing rolling resistance and minimising wear. Their 'Eco-Plus' designation refers to both the brand new tread compound developed for these tyres and their intelligent tread pattern design.

The HSL1 Eco-Plus tyre for the steering axle has circumferential tread ribs with many traverse edges. Its ground contact patch is very wide, which helps it to achieve its high mileage performance. Despite the numerous fine sipes in the tread, the outer shoulder is particularly solid and the circumferential central ribs make the tyre highly sensitive with a precise steering response. The sipes on the shoulder ensure adequate cooling on the tyre. The special patented groove prevents stones from becoming trapped, whilst the groove geometry ensures extremely quiet running.

The tread pattern on the HDL1 Eco-Plus tyre for the drive axle is also unusual, in that it is directionally-orientated. This has benefits in terms of even wear, which in turn helps to achieve maximum mileage. The sipes in the circumferential lugged ribs change shape during acceleration and braking. As they open, they produce gripping edges that interlock efficiently with the road surface. This greatly improves traction in the wet and in the snow. The open tyre shoulder provides further traction - and thus safety - during braking. The sipes are also designed to ensure excellent self-cleaning.

The HDL1 and HSL1 Eco-Plus are available in the following sizes:

315/70 R 22.5 (154/150L and 152/148M)

295/80 R 22.5 (152/148M)

315/80 R 22.5 (156/150L and 154/150M)

*Source ERMC and Eurostat