Tyre safety

Advances in traction

Every credible fleet operator knows instinctively the importance of tyre safety. However, the difference between well and poorly maintained tyres is one that could cost lives, not to mention livelihoods, so the message is one well worth reiterating. Chris Peat has contacted bus and coach tyre manufacturers and distributors to review some of the latest advances in tyre safety.

TD Tyres

TD Tyres’ Adam Fletcher

TD Tyres’ Adam Fletcher

Founder of wholesaler TD Tyres, Adam Fletcher, said, ‘It isn’t a matter of what’s the best tyre for safety any more. Tyres now, from brand new premium brands to remoulds, are stringently tested and ensured to be safe. They are as safe as they have ever been; safety is very, very high across them all. All the factories are aware of what they have to do to ensure they are completely safe. Even down to part worn tyres, even they are getting better, but they’re not something I would go down the route of selling. The price of new tyres now has partly killed off the part worn market anyway.’

The safety of his products is something Adam takes seriously, saying, ‘We won’t sell a tyre older than five years old. There’s some talk in the industry about taking tyres that are ten years old off vehicles, which is a good thing I think.’

In terms of what you can do to ensure tyres already fitted are safe, Adam said, ‘Tyre pressures are a massively important thing. They need to be checked at least once a week. Once a tyre starts to wear, turn it on its rim. Particularly on coaches, one of the best things to do is run a tyre on the rear and then move it onto the front axle, once the first two to three millimetres wears down.’

Continental

The ContiUrban HA3 from Continental

The ContiUrban HA3 from Continental

An area of tyre technology Continental has been focusing on is high performance wet compounds, which feature a combination of newly developed filler and polymer concepts. These are designed to provide excellent wet and dry grip without compromising fuel efficiency. It has been working on a new belt construction, where a thicker belt wire design incorporates specially twisted wire filaments embedded in what it describes as an extremely ‘tear-proof’ and low heat build up compound mixture to improve belt durability.

Something else Continental has been working on is a triangular belt design, which should result in a far more stable structure with additional strength and stiffness. The company has focused on increased casing durability, as well as its AirKeep air retention technology. The latter technology uses a filler system in the inner liner, which gives 50% more air retention using a conventional gauge thickness. Air pressure is an important factor in ensuring tyre durability and optimised safety performance characteristics. A new reinforced bead design is being worked on to increase the tyre’s durability. Safety features, including those mentioned here, have been incorporated into its three new product lines in the coach and bus sector, which include the ContiUrban HA3, the ContiCityPlus HA3 and ContiCoach HA3.

It is not only tyres that Continental has been focusing on in terms of improving safety. It also produces a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) called ContiPressureCheck, which assists in ensuring the safe condition of tyres and also aids in reducing the overall running costs. It features sensors inside each tyre, which detect any changes in air pressure or temperature in the tyres. This data is sent to a live display screen fitted inside the vehicle, enabling any problems to be caught by the driver and dealt with early on.

Continental’s Technical Services Manager, Steve Howat, said, ‘There are certain key factors outside our control which will have a major influence on how safe a tyre is including inflation pressure maintenance and the general condition of the tyre. We are all aware of the case of the 19 year old tyre that failed on a coach resulting in it losing control and crashing which led to the tragic loss of a young passenger. Safety performance is a key design area we focus on. It is always exceptionally challenging to optimise a tyre to operate under all safety parameters as, for instance, we can enhance a tyre’s dry handling characteristics but this can lead in a trade off in wet performance.’

Steve could not say whether compound or siping technology influences wet performance the most, because its isn’t that straight forward, as he explained. ‘Both compliment each other to optimise this key performance area. For instance, we use unique interlocking full depth 3D siping. Siping supports the “squeegee effect” of wiping the water film off the road surface while the full depth 3D structure keeps the tread stiffness for better wet grip performance over life time.’

Commenting on winter marked tyres, Steve said, ‘There is a relatively new marking normally referred to as the “3 Peak Snow Flake Mountain” mark although the correct name is the “alpine” marking. This is the true indication of a tyre’s winter tyre performance capability and any tyre that holds this mark is a true winter tyre. Is this important for coaches operating exclusively in the UK? This is a difficult question to answer as this is of course very weather dependent. If we have a long and continuous period of low temperatures combined with snow and ice conditions then certainly our winter tyre range can provide a dramatic effect in improving the overall safety performance of the coach or bus.’

Bridgestone

The latest Urban All Position bus tyre (UAP-001) from Bridgestone has been enhanced for better grip in wet conditions

The latest Urban All Position bus tyre (UAP-001) from Bridgestone has been enhanced for better grip in wet conditions

Bridgestone has been making strides towards an even safer tyre. Recent developments for its bus and coach products have been centred on increasing the load carrying capacity in order to ensure the tyres meet Euro6 requirements. These include M788 EVO for coaches, the new RS-001 regional steer tyre and the UAP-001. The latest Urban All Position bus tyre (UAP-001) has an enhanced wet grip label value, making it one of the ‘best in class’, the company claims. In addition to its products, the manufacturer also believes in regular monitoring and inspection of the tyre to maintain optimum economy and maximised safety. As such, it offers to do all bus fleets’ inspections electronically via its T2i inspection system, which captures tread depth and any wear issues.

A tyre pressure monitoring system has also been developed. This TPMS is a retrofit solution integrated into the valve cap. It captures tyre pressures and temperatures every six seconds and sends them to a receiver located at the depot or a hand held reader. In the event of a pressure failure, a report is immediately sent to the fleet engineer and the tyre fitter to take action.

When it comes to the most important factor in keeping a tyre safe, Bridgestone’s Commercial Product and Marketing Manager, Andy Mathias, said, ‘In reality a combination of compound, pattern and the tyre casing all play an essential role in the safety of a tyre, but additional features can add to these safety aspects, such as side guards and sidewall protectors in order to protect the tyre from kerb damage. Both are available on Bridgestone urban bus tyres. It is vital to maintain the tyre pressure as operating tyres with heavy loads with low pressures can lead to tyre failures.’

On the importance of winter marked tyres in the UK, Andy said, ‘Operators best know their own fleet and the conditions in which they operate, so it will vary on a case by case basis, but for a fleet operating purely in the UK, it is normally sufficient to operate on well maintained tyres with a responsible tread depth (5-6mm plus), even if the tyres are not specific winter marked tyres, however Bridgestone’s UAP-001 and M788 tyres carry the 3 Peak symbol, and we have a range of new and retreaded tyres specifically developed for winter conditions if they are required. Bridgestone maintain a list of European winter tyre regulations which vary on a country by country basis. This is freely available to any operator upon request!’

Goodyear

Goodyear’s Marathon Ultra Grip Coach all position tyre is designed to provide excellent levels of safety

Goodyear’s Marathon Ultra Grip Coach all position tyre is designed to provide excellent levels of safety

Goodyear’s Marathon Coach tyre is an all position tyre for year round use, providing grip, braking and handling on slippery roads and excellent levels of safety. It is characterised by an asymmetric design, developed for it and intended to offer good even wear and mileage with a high comfort level. Uneven tyre wear has been a serious problem for tyres on modern coaches, resulting in reduced tyre life.

The manufacturer also has a specific winter drive tyre for coaches in its portfolio. The UltraGrip Coach offers enhanced traction on snow and is particularly suitable for operating in the colder regions. In addition its grip and traction characteristics on winter roads, its tread design and width, reduce noise emission, thus improving comfort.

As well as developing safer tyres, Goodyear started working on its Air Maintenance Technology in 2011. It aids tyre life, casing durability and safety, helping ensure the optimum tyre pressure is maintained. All of its components, including a miniaturised pump, are fully contained within the tyre. As soon as the pressure in these Goodyear tyres gets too low, an internal pressure regulator opens to allow air to flow into a pumping tube. As the wheel turns, the flattened part helps squeeze air from the tube through an inlet valve into the tyre. This technology is currently under development.

Michelin

A Michelin X MultiWay 3D XZE on one of Chapel End Coaches’ vehicles

A Michelin X MultiWay 3D XZE on one of Chapel End Coaches’ vehicles

Safety was a key concern for Michelin when it developed the X MultiWay 3D XZE tyres. The manufacturer invests over €S600m every year in research and development, which it claims is greater than any other tyre maker in the world. The X MultiWay 3D XZE multi-position tyre is designed to deliver impressive stopping power due to its three-dimensional delta sipes. These generate grip in difficult driving conditions, locking together when needed to maintain the stability of the tread. This helps to enhance safety and mobility on dry, damp and wet surfaces, whilst the 3PMSF (3 Peaks Mountain Snow Flake) and M&S (Mud and Snow) sidewall markings are a further indication of excellent grip and traction during winter conditions.

Nuneaton based Chapel End Coaches trialled the product and found a significant improvement in stopping distances and grip. As a result of this test, the operator is now adopting a full Michelin policy on its executive coaches. ATS Euromaster, the company’s tyre service provider, was praised for delivering excellent service during the trial and subsequent transition period to the new tyres.

Mechanic at Chapel End Coaches, David Ridgeway, said, ‘Prior to fitting Michelin tyres to the trial vehicle we had also noted that the steering didn’t feel as sharp and precise as it had when new, but there were no signs of anything being mechanically wrong. The minute we fitted the Michelin tyres the issues cleared up and the drivers have reported being very impressed with the handling. This trial demonstrated to us the clear benefits of investing in a premium tyre. Their sheer stopping power is phenomenal.’

Michelin’s Technical Manager, Rob Blurton, said selecting the correct tyre for the application is a major part of staying safe. The manufacturer is able to inspect vehicles, working out the theoretical maximum load of the vehicle and selecting the right tyre for the job.

Maintenance is a key issue when it comes to safety too, according to Rob. One particular area is maintaining the optimum pressure. The company has had RFID tags put on all of its new tyres over the past 12 months to monitor the pressure level, with a TPMS currently ‘under investigation’. Ensuring the wear on tyres is even across all axles is also important to remember.

Rob said there is no legislation for winter tyres in the UK and mentioned that M&S marks have no stringent regulations or formal, recognised test process. Anyone can label their tyres M&S. However, there is legislation that requires tyres with these marks to be fitted on coaches in some European countries. On the other hand, the Three Peaks Mountain Snowflake marking is not legally required but tyres with it do have to pass a recognised test.

Giti Tire

GT Radial’s GAU861 has been designed with an extra reinforced sidewall

GT Radial’s GAU861 has been designed with an extra reinforced sidewall

One of the latest tyres from Giti Tire’s GT Radial brand is the GSR225 Combi Road, which has a wider tread pattern to deliver excellent handling and extra resistance to tearing and curbing. Not only does this make it safer, it also makes it appropriate for a wide variety of regional and long haul vehicles. Ensuring a tyre has minimum damage is an important aspect of safety on the roads and as such, GT Radial’s first all-position urban city bus tyre, GAU861, has been designed with an extra reinforced sidewall to ensure maximum resistance to curbing and impact damage.

To ensure tyres meet the company’s stringent safety levels, all of its new bus and coach products are the result of the company’s advanced testing and evaluation programme. It has more than 1,000 tyres on field test across Europe at any time.

With maintenance important in terms of tyre safety too, Giti Tires also provides its GT Assist package. This allows customers to benefit from a network of independent CV tyre specialists, providing 24 hour roadside assistance.

For operators that are keen to use winter tyres during the colder months, all its products for bus and coach applications are snowflake and M&S marked.

Hankook

Hankook’s SmartControl AW02 with both the M+S marking and the  Three Peaks Mountain Snowflake’ (3PMSF) symbol

Hankook’s SmartControl AW02 with both the M+S marking and the Three Peaks Mountain Snowflake’ (3PMSF) symbol

Hankook R&D teams are continuously exploring new possibilities to further improve tyre safety and performance. For instance, its patented SCCT (Stiffness Control Contour Theory) technology is designed for enhanced casing endurance, significantly improving the safety of tyres by distributing pressure more evenly. This should result in reduced tyre deformation for better handling and braking performance even under full load.

Hankook’s AU03 is a multi-purpose tyre specially developed for city traffic service that has frequent stop and go situations. For safety, it provides good wear resistance through its increased shoulder widths for more controlled stiffness. The tyre’s special rubber compound leads to both durability as well as low rolling resistance and uneven wear is minimised through an optimised kerf arrangement. Other major features are the inclusion of full sidewall protectors, to give resistance against shock.

The AL10+ e-cube MAX is a steer tyre that can be an all-round fitment and is designed for long distance service use. It is part of Hankook’s environmentally friendly ‘e-cube MAX’ series, with excellent fuel efficiency and high mileage capability. The unique tread design and compounds provide longer mileage and minimise the development of irregular wear.

With no one factor making a tyre safe, Hankook focuses equally on all the components incorporated into the design, construction and materials, investing heavily in R&D.

Although there is no legal requirement in the UK for the fitment of winter tyres, Hankook recognises their usefulness in certain weather and road conditions. The manufacturer’s SmartControl AW02 with both the M+S marking and the 3PMSF symbol has been designed to deal with icy conditions and achieve high mileage, good traction and low fuel consumption while doing so. Its extra wide tread increases the contact area between the tyre and the road thereby improving handling. The tread design with five main drainage grooves provides extra aquaplaning safety. In addition, 3D-kerfs provide more even wear of the tread surface, guaranteeing higher mileage. A newly developed tyre mixture that has been developed for harsh winter conditions makes the tyre particularly resistant to the cold and demonstrates full performance even at very low temperatures.

WheelRight

The WheelRight drive over tyre pressure monitor is intended to increase the frequency of such checks

The WheelRight drive over tyre pressure monitor is intended to increase the frequency of such checks

As has been mentioned already, checking tyre pressures regularly is a basic, yet important, part of ensuring safety. However, this takes a lot of time if done manually. To overcome this, a new product has been launched, the WheelRight drive over tyre pressure monitoring system. Installed in-ground at a depot, buses drive over the sensor pad and the equipment automatically senses the tyre pressure and sends a warning message to the relevant staff member if they are under or over inflated. WheelRight Chief Executive, John Catling, claims his company’s product means checks could become a daily activity, moving away from what he says is the industry standard of four to six weeks.

John said, ‘The importance of regular tyre pressure monitoring has long been recognised by bus and coach operators, but the mechanisms that surround manual checking are a recurring problem. We believe that the implementation of WheelRight’s remote monitoring solution will offer operators a simple, practical solution to the age old problem of reliable tyre checking.’

‘For too long, most bus and commercial fleet managers have neglected their tyres – only paying attention to them when they start to go wrong. This is a costly and potentially dangerous practice that can affect reliability. WheelRight’s drive over monitoring system allows operators to take control of their own tyre management.  By giving them a credible alternative to ubiquitous PPK contracts, we hope to encourage operators to take a fresh look at tyre pressure monitoring and to join WheelRight’s tyre pressure revolution!’

Chained up

An Austro-Super AS twin snow chain from Brindley Chains

An Austro-Super AS twin snow chain from Brindley Chains

There is a lot of uncertainty among operators about whether winter tyres are suitable for UK buses and coaches, particularly as there is no law concerning their fitment. The question is, does the weather warrant the investment? One way round this has been to carry snow chains and fit them when necessary.

Pewag Cerveno snow chains are available from Brindley Chains. They are designed with an efficient fastening and tensioning system for easy fitting and handling. They have square section chain links for maximum traction.

Another provider of snow chains is Parma Industries. The company provides the Andean Range of snow chains, which are specially designed to assist traction in really wintry conditions. It has a simplified design for easy fitment and removal. They are TUV approved for use in all European countries.

 

 

 

 

 

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