Got Truck Tire Punctures? Goodyear Offers Money-back Promise

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 18, 2005 -- Confident in the revolutionary self-sealing properties of its DuraSeal commercial tire technology, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company announced today that it is offering a $50 money-back promise on new tires containing the "built-in sealant."

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In an unusual move that goes beyond new tire guarantees, the money-back deal further offers $25 for a tire's first retread, with the promise that punctures up to 1/4 inch in diameter in the tread area will seal. Sidewall punctures are not covered.

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

Bethann Barchalk, team leader for Goodyear mixed-service tires, said the money-back promise "should seal the deal for truck fleets who face the expense of tire repairs and equipment downtime. DuraSeal technology offers superior sealing efficiency as compared to aftermarket liquid sealants.

"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," Barchalk said.

The company is showcasing the technology at the Technology & Maintenance Council Exhibition in Tampa. No other tire manufacturer offers products with built-in sealant.

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.

Barchalk 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.

For more on DuraSeal, go to http://www.goodyear.com/truck .

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