Wrangler Takes the Rotation Out of Light-Truck Tire Maintenance
16 February 1998
Wrangler Takes the Rotation Out of Light-Truck Tire Maintenance
ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 16 - A new two-tire system from The
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is taking the worry and rotation out
of tire maintenance for light trucks and sport-utility vehicles.
Goodyear Wrangler RF-A light-truck tires wear evenly without the
inconvenience of tire rotation. A revolutionary approach to the Wrangler RF-A
- which stands for Rotation-Free Aquatred - involves front and rear versions
of the new long-wearing highway tire.
The two-tire system "is ingenious, yet it makes common sense," according
to Mark Pillow, marketing manager for light-truck tires. "Treadwear on
sport-utility vehicle and pickup truck tires differs front to rear, so why not
use separate tread designs and tire shapes to resist wear at each position?"
Pillow calls the tire system, position optimization. That is, the tires
are engineered specifically for their positions on a vehicle. The tire also
is backed by a 60,000-mile limited treadlife warranty.
Wrangler RF-A light-truck tires are designed for motorists who want long
treadlife, excellent wet traction and a smooth, quiet ride, Pillow said.
In 1997, trucks composed 45.3 percent of new-vehicle sales in the United
States. In 1980, truck sales were a meager 19.9 percent of the mix; in 1990,
it was 33.1 percent. The market for time-poor sport-utility vehicle owners is
robust indeed, Pillow said.
Conventional light-truck tires are rotated front to back to promote even
wear, according to Mike Kolowski, light truck programs. Front tires
experience rapid shoulder wear, while rear tires undergo fast centerline wear.
Treadwear on the outside shoulders of a front tire is most critical,
particularly from cornering forces, the suspension systems of multipurpose
vehicles and varying loads. The front Wrangler RF-A tire features an
aquachannel and asymmetrical three-tread zone with a wide outer shoulder rib
that adds stiffness to counter these tire-wearing forces, Kolowski said.
The rear Wrangler RF-A tire uses a solid centerline for a quiet ride and
long treadlife. Conventional rear tires wear in the tire's center,
particularly when the vehicle is unloaded. As loads are added, wear-causing
stress moves to the outside shoulders, Kolowski said.
The rear tire also features two traction lug channels, which provide wet
and snow traction and off-road capabilities.
The Wrangler RF-A, available April 1, will replace the popular Wrangler
Aquatred wet-traction light truck tire. In actual testing, the RF-A showed a
26 percent improvement in treadwear compared to the Wrangler Aquatred. The
new tire also tested 6.5 percent better in wet traction and 4 percent in
improved off-road traction, Kolowski said.
The Wrangler RF-A, manufactured at Goodyear's Union City, Tenn., tire
facility, will come in eight sizes, including: P235/75R15 SL, P235/75R15 XL,
P215/75R15, P225/75R15, P235/70R16, P245/70R15, P245/75R16 and P265/75R16.
SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
