While motor vehicles, trucks in particular, consist of many components, tyres are often the last to be discussed. Quite surprising, considering that without these black rubber items, the entire vehicle would not be able to move an inch. In fact, tyres literally carry the load and the incorrect ones or the misuse thereof, many a time, has caused problems along the roads.
Sumimoto Dunlop recognises that tyres are not just black rubber fitted to an advanced machine. Tyres themselves can be advanced machines when created and developed properly. Hence the arrival of the
SP835A, a new premium truck tyre. The
SP835A has been researched, tested and produced right here in South Africa to match the varying and often challenging conditions of our roads. It is produced at the company’s state-of-the-art plant in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal. This is an incredible advertisement for the “Buy Local” movement and once again proves the country’s exceptional ability to innovate.
According to
Sumimoto Dunlop, the
SP835A – which is available in sizes
315/80R22.5 and
295/80R22.5 - is ideal in improving the Cost per Kilometre (CPK) figure in high mileage, long-haul applications. One of the ways by which it does this is to exhibit even tread wear. Tyres are the only contact point a vehicle has with the road and if tread is uneven, it affects the ride negatively.
Base tread material is used to create better heat dissipation, thus enhancing re-treadability. And because of
Dunlop Energy Control Technologies (DECT), the tyre shows low rolling resistance, leading to improved fuel consumption. An interesting feature of the tyre is the pattern with a lug groove featuring a different angle that is aimed at minimizing the retention of stones and keeping block stiffness. Additionally, the tie-bars on the shoulder blocks reduce heel & toe wear, which in turn improves driver comfort.
“The
SP835A is a big deal for both the company and the trucking industry,” said Riaz Haffejee, CEO of
Sumimoto Rubber South Africa, manufacturer of
Dunlop tyres. “The launch of the
SP835A sees the beginning of a new era where we are now able to supply a full set of locally produced tyres for the entire truck, for all positions – from Steer, to Drive and Trailer.”
