By Truck Parts & Service Staff
Michelin Adds Antisplash to XZA3 Tire
Michelin said its XZA3 Antisplash tire helps lower the trajectory of water spraying from the tires, meaning less water on windshields and improving overall visibility in heavy rain for oncoming and overtaking motorists, as well as truck drivers.
The tire maker says the XZA3 Antisplash builds upon its XZA3 all-position tire; advanced technology compounding with 19/32nds tread depth helps reduce the tire’s rolling resistance and increase fuel efficiency, and with an 80 percent wider shoulder rib than the XZA2 Antisplash, the XZA3 Antisplash offers enhanced resistance to uneven shoulder wear. The XZA3 Antisplash’s directional miniature sipes in the groove walls help defend against the onset of irregular wear and contribute to long original tread life, while the casing’s durability and endurance are designed to facilitate multiple retreads.
According to Michelin, the Antisplash feature reduces splash trajectory height by more than 50 percent compared to standard truck tires. Unlike the XZA2 Antisplash that had the feature only on one side, the new tire features the Antisplash deflector on both sidewalls of the tire. The company says the new tire is directional to half life, allowing for tire rotation later in life. The all-position radial tire, optimized for splash reduction in steer axle service, is available in the 275/80R22.5 LRH size.
Spraydown Splash Guard System Improves Safety
The Spraydown System replaces traditional mudflap spray diffusion with functional air flow management that separates air and water to improve driver safety through spray reduction, according to Koneta. Koneta recently reached an agreement with Scotland-based Spraydown for exclusive distribution rights of the products in North America and Japan.
In addition to improving safety, the company said fuel efficiency is increased, saving fleets money and reducing their environmental impact. The fuel savings is estimated at up to 3.8 percent. Spray reduction is estimated at 43 percent.
Spraydown guards use traditional mudflap brackets for installation on both tractors and trailers. These guards work as a system to direct air flow under the vehicle. By channeling this undercurrent, the company said, drag reduction is measurably enhanced, and the flow dynamics predominantly channel the spray through the engineered air/water separation capabilities of the guard. Koneta said full distribution of the Spraydown guards begins this month.
