Michelin introduced a new tire that significantly cuts the amount of splash that often coats the windshield of a passing or oncoming motorist.
The Michelin XZA2 Antisplash tire is intended to improve visibility and safety for motorists by reducing the trajectory height of a splash by more than 50 percent compared to standard truck tires, said Michael Burroughes of Michelin. He and other Michelin executives addressed trucking journalists Thursday, Nov. 2, in Greenville, S.C.
The feature, achieved by a shoulder rib, also provides better rearview mirror visibility for truck drivers, allowing them to see overtaking vehicles more clearly.
The all-position radial tire is optimized for splash reduction in steer axle service. Burroughes said the new tire will cost 3 percent more than the current XZA2.
The tire will not reduce the spray, or mist, generated by all vehicles driving on wet surfaces, said Marc Laferriere, vice president of marketing for Michelin Americas Truck Tires. It will affect only the concentrated splash that comes from the steer tires going through a puddle.
