GREENVILLE, S.C.-Michelin North America Inc. has unveiled an addition to its family of puncture-sealing tires-the Uniroyal Laredo HD/T with NailGard, designed for commercial light truck applications.
The company said the new Laredo HD/T (which stands for heavy-duty traction) complements last year's introduction of the commercial LT tire's highway all-season counterparts-the Uniroyal Laredo HD/H and Laredo HD/H with NailGard.
Uniroyal tires furnished with NailGard sealant are said to prevent flats resulting from tread penetrations of any object 3/16-inch or less in diameter. When an object penetrates the tire, it is coated with sealant to minimize air loss, the company said.
As the object is removed, air pressure reportedly forces sealant into the hole in the tread, sealing the penetration ``instantly and permanently.''
If NailGard should fail to seal a tread puncture 3/16 inches or less in diameter during the first 50 percent of recommended treadwear, Michelin promises to replace the tire free of charge.
Uniroyal Brand Manager Tim Jamison said the firm is pleased to be able to offer NailGard technology in a commercial traction tire because downtime can be such a critical issue.
Besides the tire's puncture-sealing capability, the Laredo HD/T's tread is designed for mud and snow and also bears the Rubber Manufacturers Association's ``Severe Snow Tire'' traction rating, the company said.
The Laredo HD/T with NailGard costs about 15 percent per tire more than the standard Laredo HD/T. The version with NailGard is available in five sizes and the standard Laredo HD/T tire in six sizes, from LT235/75R15/C to LT245/75R16/E, for class 1-3 vehicles and some class 4-5 vehicles, including vans, mini-buses, full-size pickups and city delivery trucks.