Re: New Tires - Cost?
Reply #9 –
Let me see if my old brain cells can remember some tire info I picked up long ago. I think its still current.
There were two schools of thought on tire design. Basically the need to be able to control the vehicle after a tire failure.
Michelin went to thinner sidewalls so if you had a flat on the steering axle the sidewalls would shred and the rim come straight down onto the tread itself. No braking or twisting of the wheel please.
Bridgestone and toyo went the thicker sidewall route. Hold the tire up until it rolled to a stop. They were fixable depending on the severity of the failure.
Michelins destroyed the tire if severe enough failure.
My long ago experience driving the all the coaches was that the michelins steered a little more precisely on center. Medium radius turns were very good in steering accuracy. You could set the wheel in a corner radius and not have to saw at at it.
The toyos and bridgestones seemed similar in that they were good in all aspects but not sharp in the center point.
Only brought it to mind after all the play was removed from the front wheel bearings during the last seal replacement.
Michelins only need tiny corrections to stay straight and opposing trucks barely move the coach.
Heavy side winds today going on 160 and 89 and 64 into the Grand Canyon from the east were handled with medium wheel inputs. Not twitchy.
One hand if paying attention. No sudden darts for the rail. Others input on this stuff would be helpful. Maybe they all drive the same?
Bob
Topic: New Tires - Cost?