Continental unveils visual alignment indicators

This is the first time such indicators have become available on truck tyres in Europe, and will allow operators to recognise more easily incorrect wheel alignment on trucks and trailers without the use of expensive electronic measuring systems.

Excessive positive or negative camber angles or too much toe-in or toe-out can cause tyres to wear unevenly, decreasing tyre life, and can lead to increased fuel consumption. 

The new indicators offer early detection of uneven tyre wear and a simple visual check can therefore be carried out as part of a routine maintenance inspection to monitor the wear of each individual tyre.

The VAI indicators are pairs of sipes which are one to four millimetres deep and positioned on each shoulder of the tyre at five defined measuring points. At regular maintenance intervals, operators or service providers can simply compare the wear on the indicators on each side of the tyre to check if the tyre is wearing evenly.

Commercial Marketing Manager Tracey Hyem commented: “The indicators have been designed to alert customers to the first signs of incorrect wheel alignment, as this increases rolling resistance and causes premature wear and can lead to higher operating costs both in terms of fuel and replacement tyres. The simplicity of the VAI also means that no specialist knowledge is necessary, so everyone can benefit.”

The indicators will be included at no extra cost on selected long distance tyres in the new 2+ range, and have been successfully used in the USA for many years. Continental is the first tyre manufacturer to introduce VAI in Europe and will do so initially in tyre sizes 315/70 R 22.5 (standard and XL versions) and 355/50 R 22.5.