Exceptional mileage from Continental tyres

An increase of 22 per cent in the mileage achieved before replacement is the main result of a comparative test of Continental tyres carried out in collaboration with an independent coach operator.

Continentals were fitted all-round on one of six Scania luxury touring coaches in the 12-vehicle fleet of Worcester operator Commandery Coaches. These were then carefully monitored alongside another premium brand of tyres on an identical coach.

On the coach fitted with Continentals the tyres on the steer axle required changing at 133,000 kilometres and those on the drive axle at 205,000 kilometres, making a total for all six tyres of 1,086,000 kilometres.

By comparison, the competitor brand of tyre needed changing at 116,000 kilometres on the front and 165,000 kilometres on the rear, making a total of 892,000 kilometres.

Taking into account the lower price of the Continentals, the results showed a significant saving in overall tyre running costs. Other factors were also analysed, including the effect on fuel economy, noise and road-handling, all of which proved either positive or to have a neutral effect.

The exercise began by analysing the type of work the coach would do and to then determine which product from the Continental portfolio would be most suited. Much of its work would be long-distance on motorways and involving consistent high speed running (although as a policy Commandery Coaches sets its speed limiters at 100 kph).

The recommendation was to fit 315/80R22.5 HSL1 tyres to the front axle and HDL1 tyres to the drive axle, both having been designed for this type of operation.

The Continental HSL1 has an extremely wide contact patch that results in an even wear pattern contributing both to high mileage and good road-holding. Sipes in the shoulders and a compound specially adapted to suit steering axles ensure cool running, which helps to reduce fuel consumption. Low noise levels are achieved through the careful design of the tread groove geometry.

On the Commandery Coaches’ Scania the HSL1s lasted for 133,000 kilometres before replacement. When the tyres were changed – for the same type – the casings were in excellent condition and achieved a good allowance from the supplying ContiNetwork partner, SkiTyres of Cheltenham. The allowance was then available as a credit against future tyre purchases.

The four HDL1 tyres on the rear axle continued to deliver a further 70,000 kilometres before they needed replacing, reaching an impressive 205,000 kilometres. The rear-engined Scanias deliver plenty of torque and this can impact on tyre wear. The good traction characteristics of the HDL1s, particularly in wet conditions, helped to reduce the effect of this high torque and contributed to more positive braking, both leading to longer life.

The self-cleaning characteristics of the HDL1 also reduced tyre wear by rejecting stones and other foreign objects. As a result, the casings were in good condition to be returned to SkiTyres for a second-life use by regrooving or retreading under Continental’s recommended five-stage ContLifeCycle. However, Commandery’s policy is to fit only new across all vehicles in the fleet.

Martin Rowley, Managing Director of the family-run business, which next year marks its quarter century, said: “This mileage was outstanding when compared to the mileage at which we normally have to replace tyres on our Scanias, particularly the drive tyres.

“In broad terms it’s about a 22 per cent higher mileage. Fuel usage was about the same, certainly no worse, and our drivers reported that the handling was good in all weather conditions. With a fleet of 12 vehicles this level of performance will reduce our annual tyre bill substantially. It will also help ensure that we meet our commitment to our customers to be punctual and to transport them safely.”