Michelin launches X Multi Grip winter truck tyres

Michelin has begun the rollout of a new winter truck tyre range in Europe. It says the 3PMSF-marked Michelin X Multi Grip delivers an improvement in performance over predecessor tyres the Michelin XFN2 and XDW IceGrip. The tyre maker designed X Multi Grip to “ensure maximum safety and mobility in extreme winter conditions” thanks to outstanding grip on wet, snow- and slush-covered roads.

Four products are available from 1 July 2021: Michelin X Multi Grip Z steer axle tyre in sizes 385/65R22.5 and 385/55R22.5 as well as the X Multi Grip D drive axle fitment in sizes 315/80R22.5 and 315/70R22.5. Michelin will introduce further dimensions from 1 July 2022: X Multi Grip Z in sizes 315/80R22.5, 315/70R22.5 and 295/80R22.5, and X Multi Grip D in size 295/80R22.5.

Improved whole-life safety

According to Michelin, innovative tread patterns with self-regenerating sipes based on Michelin’s Regenion technology “provide excellent grip even when the tyres are worn.” Citing internal comparative studies carried out at the Michelin Test Center in Ivalo, Finland, in which it pitted the new tyres against 385/65 R 22.5 Michelin XFN2 AS and 315/80 R 22.5 XDW IceGrip tyres, Michelin claims that traction on snow is more than 50 per cent better with 5 mm of remaining tread depth, whilst braking performance on snow is 20 per cent improved. The same series of tests showed lateral grip to be 20 per cent better with just 2 mm of grip remaining.

“On ice or snow – whether freshly fallen, tightly packed or melting – and on wet roads, Michelin X Multi Grip tyres demonstrate good road handling throughout the winter. The tyres continue to deliver a very high level of performance the rest of the year, especially on wet roads,” states Michelin.

Increased mileage

Further internal testing, this time comparing the X Multi Grip Z steer in 385/55 R 22.5 and 385/65 R 22.5 to the prior-generation XFN2 range, suggested a more than ten per cent improvement in mileage. Comparisons between the X Multi Grip D drive tyre in sizes 315/70 R 22.5 and 315/80 R 22.5 and the previous XDW IceGrip range showed mileage to be more than 30 per cent better. Both tyres are retreadable and regroovable.

Lower rolling resistance

The aforementioned drive tyre comparison revealed the new generation tyre to have up to ten per cent lower rolling resistance. Michelin calculates that for a tractor-trailer equipped with 385/65R22.5 X Multi Grip Z and 315/80R22.5 X Multi Grip D tyres can cut fuel consumption by 0.6 litres/100km compared with the prior generation tyres, reducing average annual CO2 emissions by an estimated 1.5 tonnes over the tyres’ first life.

Michelin says the line-up’s “extensive range of features” is the result of four main, patented technologies (Image: Michelin)