Sumitomo Releases New Winter Tire for Trucks

Sumitomo has revealed details about the new winter tires Dunlop SP011 for trucks and buses, during the creation of which, according to the company, developers were able to improve the balance between such conflicting characteristics as ice grip and durability, while also providing stable traction in winter conditions as the tire wears out and increasing the suitability of the tires for retreading.

One of the features of the tires is that the rubber compound contains eggshell particles that improve traction on icy surfaces. Compared to the previous generation model - Dunlop SP001 - the particle size has been increased, which, in combination with the optimization of their quantity, helped to improve traction on ice by 8%. In addition, the new tread pattern and increased block stiffness have extended the life of the tires by 20%, while the increased number of biting edges has also improved safety on icy roads.

Sumitomo adds that the optimization of the lamella depth "minimized the reduction of 'winter' characteristics during wear", i.e. even when the tread is in a worn state, the necessary traction edges are preserved, especially in the central zone, and the tires "work stably not only at the beginning of operation, but also throughout the entire winter season".

Engineers have also made the sidewalls more elastic, improving the convenience of mounting the tire on the rim, while the bead design has been modified and the areas most susceptible to damage during installation and operation have been strengthened (in particular, the risk of bead delamination has been reduced), which has improved the suitability of the tires for retreading.

The wear indicator in the form of the letter R was also used for the first time, indicating when the tire needs to be sent for retreading, and Sumitomo notes that the reuse of carcasses is not only beneficial for carriers but also reduces resource consumption and reduces environmental damage. In addition, the sidewalls feature the Re:Circle marking, indicating that the tires have increased retreadability compared to standard products.

Dunlop SP011 will be released on the Japanese market in 16 sizes with a rim diameter from 17.5 to 22.5 inches.