Tires were a tough commodity to get hold of throughout much of 2005. While tire manufacturers anticipate an improved supply/demand balance for 2006, it still makes sense to pay close attention to tire selection and maintenance for increased longevity. It can reduce tire costs and unexpected downtime, while maximizing the number of retreads and minimizing "crisis" purchases at your local tire dealer. Tire selection for medium- and heavy-duty trucks has admittedly become a bit more complex in recent years with the introduction of more application-specific designs. That trend, according to Guy Walenga, engineering manager for North American commercial tires at Bridgestone, will continue. Gone are the days of the "one-tire-fits-all" methodology. Manufacturers now offer a variety of tire designs for on-highway, off-highway and varying combinations of both. "That complexity is actually an advantage for fleets and owner/operators," Walenga says. "Today, tread designs and compounds are developed for optimum performance in specific environments."
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