MISSISAUGA, Ont. — Bridgestone has introduced a new steer axle radial incorporating technologies to fight irregular wear.

Called the R280, the new tire is designed primarily for long distance and long regional hauling, two segments of trucking where steer radials tend to be removed from service for irregular wear rather than because they are worn out.

The R280’s footprint shape automatically optimizes itself during early stages of wear to increase the effectiveness of Bridgestone’s patented Equalizer Rib design, the company claims.

The Equalizer Rib structure is one of several features employed by R280 radials to prevent the initiation and spread of irregular wear. Among these are stress relief siping along every rib to combat river wear, special sipe contouring to resist block wear, straight-sided ribs and Bridgestone’s Defense Groove design to fight wavy and shoulder edge wear.

These designs are combined with an exceptionally wide tread face that delivers slow even tread wear, according to Bridgestone.

In addition, the R280’s ultra-wide tread face can easily be retreaded with a wide drive tread, a configuration preferred by many fleets and their drivers.

The R280 radial is being introduced in 22.5 and 24.5-inch low profile sizes with a "G" load rating. Standard profile versions will be available later this year.

More information on the new Bridgestone R280 radial is available from Bridgestone dealers, by calling 1-800-543-7522, or by visiting the company’s web site, www.trucktires.com.