Innovative solutions to decrease fleet downtime

Many manufacturers, like Michelin and Continental Tire, are developing self-sealing tire technology focused for light-duty passenger vehicles. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. main focus with the DuraSeal self-sealing tire line is especially for truck fleets. This is music to utility fleet’s ears. Self-sealing tires can be a great asset and allowing operators to travel across hazardous terrain without worry of a flat tire.

How does this self-sealing tire technology work? Each tire contains an extra layer of a unique, sticky substance that covers the inside of the tire from side to side. When a puncture occurs, this substance seals the hole automatically. The DuraSeal technology seal punctures up to a quarter-inch in diameter, within the repairable area of the tread. Drivers are able to continue traveling indefinitely, as long as the sidewalls aren’t affected. In instances where repairs are needed, the self-sealing technology buys the driver time to reach a safe place to work.

 “Utility fleet trucks often travel across challenging, debris-strewn surfaces en route to their destinations and are sometimes exposed to objects that have the potential to puncture their tires, which can result in vehicle downtime, an expensive proposition for utility companies,” said Norberto Flores, marketing manager at Goodyear. “Goodyear DuraSeal Technology is designed to help minimize downtime by allowing truck tires to retain air pressure and continue rolling.”

Flores goes on to explain that the DuraSeal technology offers its benefits throughout the tire’s life cycle, including multiple retreads. There is currently a wide range of tires available in the U.S. with the DuraSeal Technology; however, these tires do come with a much bigger price tag. Even though these tires cost about three times as much as a standard tire, they will eventually pay for themselves over time. Fleet managers need to factor in the decreased vehicle downtime and fewer tire replacements to justify purchasing. 

Another great way to decrease your fleet downtime is with a Fleetwest transferable truck body. Fleetwest offers both heavy duty steel and lightweight composite models. All models are 100% transferable from one truck to another, even fully loaded, in minutes. They universally fit most full size pickup trucks, 8’ and 6.5’ beds, with a no holes drilled installation making it built to last multiple truck cycles. Fleetwest provides the innovative solutions to optimize your fleets’ productivity and work flow.  For more information, call a Fleetwest representative today toll-free in the U.S. at (866)497-7200 or visit www.fleetwest.net.