BBTS rolls out Bridgestone-brand R197 low rolling-resistance radial

Bridgestone R197 Radial

Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions’ Bridgestone-brand R197 low rolling-resistance radial, designed for enhanced fuel efficiency and long, even tread wear, is approved for use on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency SmartWay-certified equipment and also is suited for fleets running California Air Resources Board-compliant vehicles. The tire, available in the 295/75R22.5 size with a G load rating, is suitable for all-position use but is designed for single- and tandem-axle trailer and dolly applications in long-haul and regional-haul service.

Building on an energy-efficient casing and adding low rolling- resistance tread and sidewall compounding, the R197 combines fuel-efficient tread designs and a shallow 11/32-inch tread depth to help improve fuel economy. For long, even tread wear, the R197 incorporates the company’s Defense Groove design that helps create uniform pressure across the shoulder to minimize edge wear and cupping. Stress relief siping along the rib edges promotes even wear for higher mileage. A classic straight-rib tread design evacuates water from the footprint for added wet traction, while cross-rib sipes provide solid grip on wet roads. To enhance durability, the R197 incorporates tough shoulder protector ribs on both sidewalls to fight damage from cuts and abrasion from curbing; when one set of ribs is worn away, the tires can be reversed to expose a fresh set of ribs for continued protection.