The summer tire Michelin Agilis+ is an upgraded version of the same-name model that was first introduced back in 2008. The emergence of the novelty is primarily due to the adoption of a new tire labeling system in European countries, similar to household appliances. Like the previous model, this tire is designed for operation in the summer on light trucks, minibuses and other types of small-tonnage cargo vehicles.
Improved rubber compound
The key difference between the new tire and the previous model is a slightly different composition of the rubber compound. The Michelin Agilis+ tire also uses a rubber compound created using the patented Durable Security Compound technology, which is widely used in the production of passenger car models. However, for the novelty, the company's specialists used a slightly different composition of the rubber compound. The main changes affected the proportion of silicon-containing elements, i.e. silicas. This decision made it possible to significantly improve the most important characteristics for a commercial tire, including rolling resistance and wear resistance. In addition, the rubber compound with increased silica content significantly improved the handling characteristics on wet roads, including braking efficiency. This is confirmed by the labeling according to the new standard, according to which this model received a "B" rating
Increased contact patch area
Another interesting technological innovation is the Durable Contact Patch technology, which is closely related to the rubber compound discussed above. In fact, these two components are a single whole. The concept is that the carcass of the truck tire is covered with a tread made from a rubber compound from passenger car models. This made it possible to significantly reduce rolling resistance while increasing the durability of the tread to abrasive wear.
Optimized tread pattern of the French tire
The tread pattern of this model was inherited from the previous generation. There is nothing wrong with that, since the characteristics of the previous generation tire remain relevant today. The S-shaped tread pattern is symmetrical and non-directional. Most tires in this segment have a similar design. In addition, the pattern contains four very massive longitudinal ribs, which also corresponds to the classic canons. This choice is due to the fact that the S-shaped design provides high resistance to uneven wear, as well as low rolling resistance. At the same time, other important characteristics - grip, handling, braking efficiency, etc. - are also at a very high level.
In addition, the presence of several longitudinal ribs allows the Michelin Agilis+ tire to demonstrate excellent directional stability. And their massive size provides a large contact patch area, which has a positive effect on grip on dry roads. As for rainy conditions, the combination of a rubber compound with increased silica content and a developed drainage system makes it possible to achieve excellent resistance to aquaplaning and good grip on wet surfaces. The drainage system owes its development primarily to the block structure of the tread pattern. The presence of a large number of separate blocks made it possible to form countless water drainage channels that pass not only along but also across the tread. At the same time, the transverse channels are located at a significant angle to the direction of movement, which increases the speed of water removal accumulated by the longitudinal drainage grooves.
Sidewall protection
As with the previous model, when developing new tires, French tire manufacturers paid much attention to adapting them to urban operating conditions. One of these measures was the reinforced sidewalls, which have increased resistance to mechanical damage. As an addition to this, the sidewalls of this model were equipped with 8 special "shields". Their main functional purpose is also to protect this vulnerable part of the tire from the consequences of encountering curbs and other solid objects.
Main features of the Michelin Agilis+ light truck tire
- Full compliance with the new tire labeling system for products manufactured in the European Union;
- Optimized rubber compound composition with increased silica content provides the tire with a long service life and excellent grip on wet surfaces;
- Reinforced carcass, the design of which was borrowed from truck tires, gave the tire increased strength and excellent resistance to dynamic deformations, which had a positive effect on handling;
- Four massive longitudinal ribs provide a large contact patch area, thanks to which the tire demonstrates excellent grip on dry roads in combination with excellent directional stability;
- The presence of many separate tread blocks had a positive effect on braking efficiency, especially in rainy conditions.
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