Hankook reveals new Smart Flex TH51 trailer tyre

Hankook revealed its new Smart Flex TH51 trailer tyre generation at IAA Transportation, offering higher mileage and lower rolling resistance compared with its predecessor.

With this launch, Hankook says it completes its Smart Flex tyre series for regional-distance transport, adding a highly engineered trailer tyre to the Smart Flex AH51 for the steering axle and Smart Flex DH51 for the drive axle.

A key feature of the tyre is its tread design with hidden grooves. Manufactured using 3D-printed tread moulds, it is engineered to maintain performance.

Specifically, this technology enables Hankook to maintain the high mileage and grip characteristics of the tyre over its entire life. When new, the tread design delivers low rolling resistance and therefore fuel-efficient operation with good directional stability.

When tread wear reaches around 40 per cent, interlocking 3D sipes are revealed that boost the rigidity of the tread blocks for lasting grip. When wear reaches 70 per cent, additional concealed grooves are exposed that improve grip in the wet.

According to Hankook, by the time wear reaches 90 per cent, all the concealed grooves are exposed, ensuring consistent performance right up until the final phase of the tyre’s life.

The tread of the Smart Flex TH51 combines zigzag grooves with drainage grooves and channels. The zigzag grooves give the tyre grip, counteract irregular wear and ensure traction as well as evacuation of water, even under changing road and weather conditions. Water collects in the drainage grooves and is discharged via the drainage channels.

At market launch, Hankook says it will offer the Smart Flex TH51 in the size 385/65 R22.5. Further sizes are set to follow.

The tyre carries the 3PMSF certification mark. Making it suitable for year-round use. The Smart Flex TH51 is recommended for single-axles on semitrailers and trailers.