Hankook extends SmartFlex tyre range
Hankook has expanded its SmartFlex range with two new tyres: SmartFlex AH51 for the steering axle and the SmartFlex DH51 for the drive axle, which are said to offer a significant reduction in rolling resistance and improved cost per kilometre (CPK) mileage.
Along with wet performance and self-regenerating treads, the SmartFlex AH/DH51 offer ultimate performance in all conditions from the first to the last millimetres of wear, Hankook says.
The company cites a considerable increase in mileage performance for both these latest tyre patterns: 15 per cent for the steering axle and 20 per cent for the driving axle compared to their predecessors. Moreover, the 10 per cent reduction in rolling resistance for the SmartFlex AH51 and DH51 contributes to a further reduction in fuel consumption when compared to the already well performing 31 series tyres.
When looking at the CPK indicator, which is becoming increasingly important for the entire transportation industry, both new SmartFlex treads are able to support economical fleet operations in an increasingly sustainable manner, Hankook adds.
During the development of the SmartFlex AH51 and DH51, the company’s design engineers used the Hankook SmartLife concept, which particularly focuses on sustainability and the requirement for the tyres to always offer the highest possible performance from the first to the last millimetre of tread depth.
Like all modern Hankook truck tyres, the two new treads can be regrooved thanks to the latest technologies and are retreadable. The Hankook SmartLife Premium casing, in combination with the Hankook Premium retreading, is said to ensure an increase in tyre life of up to 250 per cent and thus an even further increase in resource conservation and cost efficiency.
“Intensive testing has shown that, compared to competitors in the premium category, both new SmartFlex products achieve significantly higher performance standards in the lifetime performance chapter, even when the tyres are 2/3 worn, for example in terms of braking distance on wet roads as well as grip and safety in a wide range of road conditions,” said Guy Heywood, vice president of sales, marketing and business strategy for truck and bus tyres at Hankook Tire Europe.
The SmartFlex AH51 can be used as an all-position tyre and is equipped with wide tread blocks and additional supports (TWES – Tread Wear Equalised Stepper) in the outer grooves, significantly increasing tread stiffness which ensures even wear across the entire width of the tyre and further improves mileage and rolling resistance.
The SmartFlex DH51 has a wider contact patch than its predecessor, which increases traction while improving mileage and rolling resistance.
