AKRON, Ohio — Goodyear Tire & Rubber has expanded the availability of its DuraSeal technology to include the line of Unisteel G177 severe-service drive tires.

The self-sealing commercial tire technology will include more mixed-service tires for vehicles that require maximum off-road traction.

Rich Cottrell, product manager for mixed-service tires, said the technologys expansion into the G177 is a perfect fit.

Adding DuraSeal Technology to the rugged G177 will reduce vehicle downtime due to punctures, he explained.

Goodyear G177s aggressive tread design helps provide superb off-road traction. The tires aim to provide mining, logging, landfill, road-building and other severe-service applications added grip on the drive axle tires.

The tire also features high-tear strength tread compound to help resist rubber chipping and chunking. An Enhanced Casing Design helps improve strength, puncture-resistance and retreadability, Cottrell added.

The technology helps seal tread-area punctures up to -inch diameter when they occur. The technology, previously only available in Unisteel G287 MSA and G288 MSA mixed-service tires, allows tires to remain in service.

The gel-like, solvent-free compound built into the inner liner of the tire consistently and instantly seals punctures up to -inch in the tread area.

Available in sizes 11R22.5 H, 11R24.5 H and 12R22.5 H, the G177 mixed-service tire featuring DuraSeal Technology is manufactured in Goodyears Danville, Va., plant. A 12R24.5 H size will be available in September.