Michelin Makes Wet Highways Safer With Antisplash Feature For Popular Truck Tire
December 9th, 2008
The Michelin XZA3 Antisplash Tire Reduces Splash Trajectory (Image: Michelin)
Long-haul and regional truckers who have come to rely on the fuel-efficient, long-lasting Michelin XZA3 truck tire can now increase safety on the highway using Michelin technology. With the patented Antisplash™ deflector on both of the tire’s sidewalls, the new Michelin XZA3 Antisplash tire helps make highways safer by lowering the trajectory of water spraying from the tires. Lower splash trajectory means less water on windshields, significantly improving overall visibility in heavy rain for oncoming and overtaking motorists, as well as truck drivers.
“Customers have come to love the XZA3 tire for its performance on the highway,” said Marc Laferriere, vice president of marketing, Michelin Americas Truck Tires. “Now, with Antisplash technology, we have significantly increased visibility for both truckers and those motorists driving by trucks in wet conditions, especially during a rainstorm.”
While offering enhanced visibility, the Michelin XZA3 Antisplash tire builds upon the proven performance benefits of the XZA3 all-position tire. Advanced Technology compounding with 19/32nds tread depth helps reduce the tire’s rolling resistance and increase fuel-efficiency. With an 80 percent wider shoulder rib than the XZA2 Antisplash tire, the new tire offers enhanced resistance to uneven shoulder wear. The XZA3 Antisplash tire’s directional miniature sipes in the groove walls help defend against the onset of irregular wear and contribute to long original tread life. The casing’s durability and endurance allow for multiple retreads when the tire is properly cared for. Like the MICHELIN XZA3, the XZA3 Antisplash tire carries MICHELIN’s 7 Year/70,000 Mile/3 Retread Manufacturer’s Limited Casing Warranty.
The distinctive Antisplash feature, first introduced in November 2006 on the XZA2 Antisplash tire, reduces splash trajectory height by more than 50 percent compared to standard truck tires. Unlike the XZA2 Antisplash tire which had the feature only on one side, the new tire features the Antisplash deflector on both sidewalls of the tire. The new tire is directional to half life, allowing for tire rotation later in life. The all-position radial tire is optimized for splash reduction in steer axle service. The XZA3 Antisplash tire is available in the popular 275/80R22.5 LRH size.
