Bridgestone’s van tyre line-up: Lightening the load

Key requirements of van tyre users are durability, economy and good performance, particularly in the wet. Bridgestone aims to meet these with its van tyre range. The tyre maker notes that long distances frequently come with the territory for the average commercial van driver, and for businesses and individuals who are often on the road, going the distance with long-haul journeys, it recommends the Duravis R410. This is, Bridgestone comments, a durable, high mileage tyre, designed for withstanding heavy use and daily deliveries at highway speeds.

“The Duravis R410 is a remarkably robust tyre, designed to meet the typical demands of van driving,” Bridgestone reports. Its construction employs jointless cap technology intended to reduce irregular wear while the tread pattern has been optimised with the aim of providing exceptionally high mileage. Bridgestone adds: “Specially designed with an advanced tread block design, the R410 handles like a car tyre and gives modern vans a smooth comfortable quiet ride, whether manoeuvering down small city streets or cruising on motorways. The R410 also offers top wet performance, providing better grip, safe cornering and less risk of aquaplaning.”

Companies concerned about their bottom line should consider the Duravis R630, the manufacturer continues. This tyre is designed to offer improved economy, safety and durability to commercial vans and light trucks. “Like the Duravis R410 for small, car derived vans, the Super LL Carbon compound used in the R630 helps to extend tyre life by up to 30 per cent longer than conventional tyres.” The tread design of the Duravis R410 features 3D sipes with Key Hole shaping, which widens as the tyre wears, and this is said to help maintain outstanding wet handling throughout the tyre life. Further tread features include those that provide improved resistance for irregular wear, such as a stone ejector in the centre groove to prevent casing damage and a sidewall guard to provide added protection from kerbing and rough handling during intensive commercial duty.

“Both of the tyres in the Duravis range offer benefits for every van user,” states Bridgestone UK communications manager Andy Dingley. “Whether you require robust tyres, durable tyres or tyres that can cope well in the wet, there is something for everyone in the Duravis range.”

The third product in the Bridgestone van tyre portfolio comes from sister brand Firestone. “The Firestone Vanhawk is a tougher, more durable tyre, with long-lasting performance, especially suited for modern vehicles operating in urban conditions” Dingley adds. “The first thing you will notice about the Vanhawk is its strong solid, modern-looking appearance. The wide tread improves wear life and road grip and the advanced pattern design gives outstanding wet performance, much like the tyres in the Duravis range.”

The Vanhawk has many similar features to the Duravis range, but the real difference is hidden from the naked eye and lies in the tyre’s components and construction – both of which were reportedly specially designed for durability. “Stress and heat build-up are two serious threats to tyre durability,” Dingley explains. “In the Vanhawk, stress levels and heat build-up have been reduced as a result of various technologies, giving optimum performance and reducing the risk of a blow-out.”