The Goodyear Kmax S cargo tire, designed for the steering axle, is one of the representatives of the new Kmax line. Its distinctive feature is an increased mileage (up to 30%) compared to previous models. This significant increase in operational resource was achieved through the widespread use of computer simulation tools, the latest technologies, and materials. The presence of all these factors determines the following distinctive features of this model: even wear, significant mileage, reliability, excellent handling, and high braking efficiency on wet roads.
IntelliMax Rib Technology
This model is one of the first to use IntelliMax Rib technology. It involves a special design of drainage grooves located between three central longitudinal ribs. They have a large number of protrusions that prevent the longitudinal ribs from shifting relative to each other, which in turn increases the resistance of the tread pattern to dynamic deformation that occurs during movement. This technical solution provides the tire with a number of very important operational qualities. First and foremost, it is excellent directional stability, as well as optimized distribution of external pressure over the contact patch, which has a positive effect on the durability of the tread to uneven wear.
Increased Tread Width
Another design feature of this model is the increased tread width compared to its predecessor. This was achieved through the shape of its profile, which has a nearly zero radius. This feature led to a significant increase in the size of the contact patch and gave it a practically rectangular configuration. In combination with the aforementioned protrusions in the drainage grooves, this allowed for improved handling and traction on dry roads, as well as even distribution of external weight.
Reinforced Shoulder Design
Unlike the longitudinal ribs located in the central part of the tread, its shoulder areas have more massive dimensions. This was done to increase reliability, since it is this part that bears the greatest load during operation. By making the shoulder areas more rigid, the North American tire makers were able to solve several important problems at once. One of them is the increase in carrying capacity and resistance to aggressive impact from road surface irregularities. Additionally, the reinforced shoulder areas gave the contact patch a practically rectangular shape, which in turn had a positive effect on resistance to uneven wear.
High Braking Efficiency on Wet Roads
The three central longitudinal ribs contain numerous transverse lamellas. Their peculiarly curved shape, angle of inclination, number, and length are one of the results of the widespread use of computer-aided modeling tools. The presence of these tread elements allows the tire to demonstrate excellent braking efficiency, primarily on wet asphalt, without compromising other important operational qualities, ranging from rolling resistance to noise level.
Main Features of the Goodyear KMAX S Tire
- exceptional mileage to complete wear, achieved through the widespread use of computer simulation tools;
- IntelliRib technology provides increased resistance of the central part of the tread to dynamic deformation, which improves handling, directional stability, and resistance to uneven wear;
- increased tread width improves traction on dry roads and optimizes the distribution of external pressure over the contact patch;
- reinforced shoulder design increases carrying capacity, improves handling, and gives the contact patch a rectangular configuration, contributing to increased mileage;
- numerous transverse lamellas provide a short braking distance, especially on wet roads;
- excellent resistance to aquaplaning due to four longitudinal drainage grooves with a significant internal volume.
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