AKRON, Ohio — Goodyear’s Danville, Va. tire plant has produced its millionth Unisteel G395 LHS medium-truck steer tire.

Now in its third year, the G395 LHS reached this milestone four years faster than its predecessor, the G397. Company officials say the G395 LHS has turned out to be Goodyear’s most successful steer tire ever.

In the same way that engineers turned to new materials and technology to make the best car tire, commercial tire scientists used technology to energize the company’s linehaul tire lineup, according to Donn Kramer, director of commercial tire marketing.

A unique pressure distribution groove was used to reduce pressure build-up on the tire shoulders, cooler running tread compounds, a barrel-shaped footprint to place more tread on the pavement, enhanced casing designed for improved retread capabilities and a precision manufacturing process for better uniformity and longer tire lifespan, Kramer said.

Steer tires – every 18-wheeler only uses two – are difficult to make and make well, the company says. The tires are subject to more wear and carry heavier loads than any other tire position. They are more prone to irregular wear, particularly in the shoulder area, Kramer said.

“The G395’s milestone is significant because our customers have finally embraced a Goodyear steer tire. Dealers, fleets and truckmakers have accepted the G395 as the best steer tire in the world,” Kramer said.

The steer tire is spec’d by International, Freightliner, Volvo and Mack Trucks.