The Benefits of Wide-Based Tires

Author Information

Richard Milano has 59 Published Articles

United States of America,
NY,
usa,
usa,
usa

The Benefits of Wide-Based Tires

Posted On : Feb-22-2011 | seen (875) times | Article Word Count : 637 |

Tests show wide-based tires result in significant fuel economy improvement for long-haul fleets, making it possible to conserve up to 400 gallons of fuel per year. They are also easier for drivers to check for pressure issues and comparable on wear and tear to dual-tire systems.

When it comes to clean freight strategies, nothing is hotter right now than the topic of tires. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, fleets operating on duel tire assemblies are higher gas-guzzlers than those with single, wide-base systems in place. The EPA says recent tests on wide-base tires indicate “a potential fuel economy improvement of 2 to 5 percent compared to equivalent dual tires.” The EPA says that just using wide-base tires, a combination long-haul truck could save over 400 gallons of fuel per year and cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than four metric tons annually. That’s a pretty big incentive. So, why do many operators hesitate? Namely, it’s due to costs. Many drivers and fleet managers are under the misguided notion that retrofitting trucks with single wide-base tires would cost too much money. But in addition to the environmental benefits, cutting costs on gas are quickly recognized and work to immediately pay back retrofit expenses.

The EPA says “ single wide-base tire costs about the same as two equivalent dual tires and a single wide-rim wheel typically costs about $130 less than two standard wheels. Retrofitting existing trucks with wide-base tires and wheels may not be cost effective. However, for new trucks, the "payback" is instantaneous, since the initial savings could exceed $1,000. In addition, fuel savings begin immediately.”
Need more proof? Here’s a list of what the folks at ConWay Truck Load have to say about the benefits of retrofitting their fleets with single wide-base tires:

Wide- base tires on Con-way Truckload equipment improved fuel mileage by a solid 2/10’s of a mile per gallon (when used on tractors alone). At $4.50 per gallon, company savings was $8,723,700 annually.

Brakes stay cooler and result in more effective braking and longer lasting drum and brake pad lining life.

Adding the wide base tire to the trailer gains an additional 2/10’s of a mile per gallon and more than doubles the fuel savings in a year.

Replacement tires available on the market are becoming more and more readily available through Michelin dealers.

Fewer tire failures due to the fact that drivers are checking pressures more than ever before because they can’t rely on an adjoining tire to carry the load when a flat tire can’t be spotted.

Drivers can spot pressure problems with a visual inspection, just like their car or pickup.

Tire pressure checks are easier for the driver and maintenance personnel since they only have four (4) tires to check rather than eight (8) and no longer have to fish for the valve stem on the inside tire.

Tread wear life per 32nds of tread is equal to or better than running duals.

If you’re worried about compliance, don’t be. According to the EPA, the new generation of wide-base tires carry a section width of up to 17.5 inches, which makes them compliant with pavement weight laws in all 50 states, for a typical tandem axle combination truck. Although it should be noted that the EPA does concede that some non-tandem axle combination trucks, wide-base tires may not comply with "inch-width" laws in certain states.

That said, wide-base tires can improve the stability of tank trailers by allowing the tank to be mounted lower on the frame, and wear and tear are comparable to dual mounted tire systems. According to EPA testing of 15 fleets covering 57 million miles on wide-base tire models, “one manufacture reported that the tires wear at a rate comparable to conventional tires.” In addition, wide-base tires also can be retreaded, which also saves fleet owners a bundle.

Re-Publish this Article

<h1>The Benefits of Wide-Based Tires</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Richard Milano.aspx'>Richard Milano</a> When it comes to clean freight strategies, nothing is hotter right now than the topic of tires. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, fleets operating on duel tire assemblies are higher gas-guzzlers than those with single, wide-base systems in place. The EPA says recent tests on wide-base tires indicate “a potential fuel economy improvement of 2 to 5 percent compared to equivalent dual tires.” The EPA says that just using wide-base tires, a combination long-haul truck could save over 400 gallons of fuel per year and cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than four metric tons annually. That’s a pretty big incentive. So, why do many operators hesitate? Namely, it’s due to costs. Many drivers and fleet managers are under the misguided notion that retrofitting trucks with single wide-base tires would cost too much money. But in addition to the environmental benefits, cutting costs on gas are quickly recognized and work to immediately pay back retrofit expenses.

The EPA says “ single wide-base tire costs about the same as two equivalent dual tires and a single wide-rim wheel typically costs about $130 less than two standard wheels. Retrofitting existing trucks with wide-base tires and wheels may not be cost effective.  However, for new trucks, the "payback" is instantaneous, since the initial savings could exceed $1,000. In addition, fuel savings begin immediately.” 
Need more proof?  Here’s a list of what the folks at ConWay Truck Load have to say about the benefits of retrofitting their fleets with single wide-base tires:

Wide- base tires on Con-way Truckload equipment improved fuel mileage by a solid 2/10’s of a mile per gallon (when used on tractors alone).  At $4.50 per gallon, company savings was $8,723,700 annually. 
 
Brakes stay cooler and result in more effective braking and longer lasting drum and brake pad lining life.

Adding the wide base tire to the trailer gains an additional 2/10’s of a mile per gallon and more than doubles the fuel savings in a year.

Replacement tires available on the market are becoming more and more readily available through Michelin dealers.

Fewer tire failures due to the fact that drivers are checking pressures more than ever before because they can’t rely on an adjoining tire to carry the load when a flat tire can’t be spotted.

Drivers can spot pressure problems with a visual inspection, just like their car or pickup.

Tire pressure checks are easier for the driver and maintenance personnel since they only have four (4) tires to check rather than eight (8) and no longer have to fish for the valve stem on the inside tire.

Tread wear life per 32nds of tread is equal to or better than running duals.

If you’re worried about compliance, don’t be.  According to the EPA, the new generation of wide-base tires carry a section width of up to 17.5 inches, which makes them compliant with pavement weight laws in all 50 states, for a typical tandem axle combination truck.  Although it should be noted that the EPA does concede that some non-tandem axle combination trucks, wide-base tires may not comply with "inch-width" laws in certain states.

That said, wide-base tires can improve the stability of tank trailers by allowing the tank to be mounted lower on the frame, and wear and tear are comparable to dual mounted tire systems. According to EPA testing of 15 fleets covering 57 million miles on wide-base tire models, “one manufacture reported that the tires wear at a rate comparable to conventional tires.” In addition, wide-base tires also can be retreaded, which also saves fleet owners a bundle.About the Author: For more details please visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.allied-oil.com/">www.allied-oil.com</a> Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_The-Benefits-of-Wide-Based-Tires_53460.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_The Benefits of Wide-Based Tires_53460.aspx</a>

Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_The Benefits of Wide-Based Tires_53460.aspx

Author Resource :
For more details please visit www.allied-oil.com

Keywords : Oil Filtration, Light Truck Tires, Commercial Lubricants,

Category : Business : Business

Print this Article Send to Friend