Goodyear Introduces DuraSeal Commercial Tire Technology

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 17, 2005 -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company announced today that it has developed a revolutionary commercial tire technology that repairs tire punctures when they occur, greatly reducing vehicle downtime and service calls.

Goodyear's new innovative DuraSeal technology features a "built-in sealant" that allows truck drivers to continue operating after a tire is punctured. The technology allows the tire to remain in service until it is retreaded.

Tires featuring DuraSeal technology last up to six times longer than conventional medium truck tires before removal for repair, according to Goodyear tests.

Steve McClellan, vice president of commercial tire systems for Goodyear, said the new technology uses a gel-like, solvent-free compound built into the inner liner of the tire. It is designed to consistently and instantly seal punctures up to 1/4-inch in the tread area.

No other tire manufacturer offers tires with built-in sealant. DuraSeal technology offers superior sealing efficiency as compared to aftermarket liquid sealants, McClellan said.

"The tire casing maintains its sealing capability even after it is retreaded. The technology is a long-term solution for an age-old problem, while aftermarket sealants are temporary fixes.

"Unlike this unreliable fix, DuraSeal reduces repair, downtime and tire replacement costs. The built-in sealant means no messy cleanup for each repair, reduced fire risk during retreading and no negative impact in tire temperature, high speed performance, durability and rolling resistance," he said.

DuraSeal also adds only about 5 to 7 pounds per tire, and it provides excellent sealing efficiency from -40 degrees (F) to 100 degrees.

DuraSeal technology initially will be available in Goodyear's new Unisteel G287 MSA and G288 MSA mixed-service tires, where tire punctures are a daily hazard. The technology should be popular in logging, landfill, construction, road building and other severe service applications.

McClellan said DuraSeal technology may evolve into other applications, based on customer needs.

Goodyear commercial tire systems offer complete products and services to the trucking industry, including a full range of original equipment and replacement tires. In addition, the company's cradle-to-grave tire and service network includes retreading, tire management tools and business solutions for tomorrow's trucking fleets.