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New Grabber GT Plus from General Tire

With the new Grabber GT Plus, off-road 4×4 tyre specialist, General Tire, is launching an innovative summer tyre for SUVs and 4×4 vehicles. Going forward, the Grabber GT Plus will gradually replace the Grabber GT. Drivers who opt for this newcomer will experience what the Plus in the name promises: a marked improvement in performance in all areas affecting economy and safety. By way of example, the tyre developers have managed to reduce the rolling resistance of the Grabber GT Plus by a substantial 12 percent compared to its proven predecessor, while at the same time achieving five percent more mileage. This is even more remarkable, given that they have also succeeded in delivering a tangible boost in wet-weather performance. On the EU tyre label, all Grabber GT Plus products show A-class performance for wet grip. On dry roads, the Grabber GT Plus offers substantially shorter braking distances, improved handling performance and the EU label noise category will enjoy a 17% improvement over its predecessor.

To make this possible, the tyre has been given a redesigned pattern, mainly optimised for on-road use, combined with an innovative tread compound. The new silica-enriched compound features special damping properties that play a major part in delivering shorter braking distances on wet roads. The stable polymer matrix also stiffens the tread blocks, which has a positive impact on vehicle handling in particular. Along with the more even pressure distribution in the tyre footprint, the added stability also makes for lower rolling resistance and reduced wear, which has a positive knock-on effect for the environment and the driver’s wallet. The optimised siping and notched tread ribs present a greater number of gripping edges for further improved grip on wet and slippery surfaces.

Another focus area for the developers was on delivering a more robust product across the board, particularly with a view to meeting the requirements of heavy SUVs in the best possible way. Here, they continued to rely on the DuraGen technology already employed in the Grabber GT, which helps to shield the tyre from damage caused by stones and sharp objects during off-road use.

In the tyre structure of the Grabber GT Plus, the high-tensile steel belts are reinforced by two spirally wound nylon cap plies. The resilient tread blocks have been further reinforced through the introduction of Tread Block Reinforcement Buttresses, whilst the redesigned blocks are now larger than before.

This combination of construction measures not only makes these tyres less susceptible to damage, but also reduces the distortion of the tyre under the impact of vehicle weight and dynamic forces. Less distortion makes for better high-speed handling. By adding extra material to the sensitive area between the rim and sidewall (rim-protector), the tyre and wheel bead area are shielded from damage caused by curbstone impact and off-road obstacles.

To protect against uneven wear, frequently caused by incorrect wheel alignment, General Tire has also added a Visual Alignment Indicator (VAI) to this new product. Small sipes, located opposite one another, at different points, on either side of the tyre reveal any difference in wear, pointing to incorrect alignment. If, after the first 1,000 kilometre, the driver checks these sipes and finds that those on one side of the tyre have worn away, this shows that the two sides of the tyre are exposed to uneven wear and a visit to the garage should be scheduled to have the wheels realigned. Another clearly visible indicator is set in the central tread ribs that run around the tyre. This is the wording “Replacement Tyre Monitor” which, changes to read “Replace Tyre” as an early warning sign to the driver that the tyre is approaching the legal minimum tread depth.

Half of the size range will be introduced during the first quarter of 2021; these tyres have speed approvals for up to 186mph and all feature a rim protection rib. Additionally, many articles will be available with the XL marking, indicating higher load capacity. Further sizes will be introduced during 2021. Introducing multiple new sizes to the range to cater for the developing SUV market only confirms General Tire as a 4×4/SUV market leader.

A full range of General Tire Car, 4×4 and Van tyres are available exclusively though Micheldever Tyre Services.  For more information on the General Tire range and availability contact 01962 774700 or visit www.generaltire.co.uk

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