Premium long distance trailer tire achieves fuel efficiency label A
Redeveloped tread design and compounds for greater fuel efficiency and long service life
Maximum profitability due to retreadability and regroovability
Hanover, January 9, 2014. As the first representative of a completely new truck tire generation for the goods sector, the Continental EcoPlus HT3 trailer tire is set to take its place on the international commercial vehicle stage. The new premium tire for trailers and semitrailers has been developed for maximum cost-efficiency with greater fuel efficiency and long service life. With its tread compound optimized for rolling resistance and the unique Continental casing concept, the Continental EcoPlus HT3 trailer tire also boasts excellent wet grip and driving safety.
The Conti EcoPlus HT3 is the vanguard of a completely new truck tire family which Continental will launch in 2014. The first to market in the Generation 3 tire range for goods transport from the German premium manufacturer has been developed with a clear focus on maximum efficiency on the trailer axle. Significant savings in fuel consumption is one of the most important factors for successfully navigating today’s competitive market. With trailer tires contributing around 60 percent of the overall rolling resistance, the optimal tire on the trailer plays a crucial role and contributes to the efficiency of the whole vehicle.
For the Conti EcoPlus HT3, Continental developed a new, especially fuel-efficient tread design, which provides a low void contact area with four longitudinal grooves and the Fuel Saving Edge. The rolling resistance of the trailer tires was reduced, for the size 385/55 R 22.5, by over 25 percent compared to its predecessor. This earns the Conti EcoPlus HT3 the highest EU label rating A for fuel efficiency.
The specially designed tread pattern for use on haulage vehicles is one of the key factors for success on the road. The pyramid-shaped triangular bars in the base of the tread grooves stabilize the new Conti EcoPlus HT3 against flexing in the tread. Closed ribs providing a wide contact area and a circumferential, continuous shoulder guarantee optimal straight line stability and prevent distortion especially for demanding maneuvering tasks typical for trailers.
The tread compound is optimized for rolling resistance in a two-layer construction which provides first-class performance. The cap compound of the tread ensures optimal contact with the road surface for long service life, while the special compound of the tread base on the four-layer triangular belt casing reduces the heat generation in the crown for maximum reduction in rolling resistance. With a rolling noise of just 69 dB(A), the Conti EcoPlus HT3 trailer tire is also one of the quietest tires in the truck sector. Like all tires in the Continental Generation 3 truck tire range, the Conti EcoPlus HT3 trailer tire has a retreadable and regroovable premium casing with steel cord chafer enhanced beads and the patented AirKeep® inner liner to prevent gradual loss of inflation pressure. The combination of all these factors ultimately gives the Conti EcoPlus HT3 the greatest potential for saving costs.
The Tire Labeling Ordinance specifies the information requirements on fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise from tires. In addition, reference is made to the winter properties of the product.
The EU 1222/2009 regulation that has been in force since November 1st, 2012 has been revised and will be replaced by regulation EU 2020/740 from May 1st, 2021; From this point on, new requirements apply. The rating classes for fuel efficiency, wet grip and exterior noise have been changed and the layout of the EU label has been adjusted. The manufacturer's product data sheets stored in the EU database can be downloaded via a QR code integrated into the label. Information on snow grip and ice grip is also newly included for tires that meet these criteria.
The following tires are exempt from the regulation: - tires that are designed exclusively for installation on vehicles that were first registered before October 1, 1990 - retreaded tires (until a corresponding extension of EU VO 2020/740 has taken place) - professional off - Road tires - Racing tires - Tires with additional devices to improve traction, eg studded tires - T-type emergency tires - Tires with a permissible speed below 80 km/h - Tires for rims with a nominal diameter ≤ 254 mm or ≥ 635 mm
The criteria and evaluation classes at a glance
fuel efficiency
The fuel consumption depends on the rolling resistance of the tyres, the vehicle itself, the driving conditions and the driving style of the driver. The measured rolling resistance (rolling resistance coefficient) of the tire is divided into classes A (highest efficiency) to E (lowest efficiency).
If a vehicle is completely equipped with class A tires, a consumption reduction of up to 7.5%* is possible compared to class E tyres. In the case of commercial vehicles, it can even be higher. (Source: European Commission Impact Assessment * when measured according to the test methods set out in Regulation (EU) 2020/740)
Please note: Fuel consumption depends to a large extent on your own driving style and can be significantly reduced by driving in an environmentally friendly manner. Tire pressure should be checked regularly to improve fuel efficiency.
wet grip
Wet grip is divided into classes A (shortest braking distance) - E (longest braking distance).
If a car is equipped with class A tires, compared to class E tires, a braking distance of up to 18 m can be reduced when braking from 80 km/h (on a road surface with average grip).* *Source: wdk Economic Association of the German Rubber Industry eV
Please note: Traffic safety depends to a large extent on your own driving style. The stopping distances must always be observed. Tire pressure should be checked regularly to improve wet grip.
External rolling noise
The noise emitted by a tire affects the overall volume of the vehicle and affects not only your own driving comfort, but also the noise pollution of the environment. In the EU tire label, the external rolling noise is divided into 3 classes from A (lowest rolling noise) - C (highest rolling noise), measured in decibels (dB) and compared with the European noise emission limit values for external tire rolling noise.
A The pictogram with the classification "A" indicates that the tire's external rolling noise is more than 3 dB below the EU limit value in force until 2016. B The "B" classification means that the tyre's external rolling noise is up to 3 dB below or equal to the EU limit value in force until 2016. C The classification "C" indicates that the specified limit value is exceeded.