CL 946
Many haulers are interested in buying a universal rubber that can be used on all axles of a tractor and semi-trailer. And if you are interested in such a rubber, then this small review is for you. So, Goodride CL 946 is a universal choice for mixed service.
About tires in general
To provide versatility without sacrificing performance, Goodride Tire has gone to the appropriate technology and used extra strong manufacturing materials. Check out the main features of these tires:
- Tire type: tubeless.
- Seasonality: all-season.
- Purpose: main cargo transportation.
- Positioning: all axles, provided that single wheelsets are used.
- Tread type: symmetrical non-directional.
- Tread height: 12 mm.
- Design features a bias frame.
- Maximum speed: 95 mph.
- Maximum wheel load: 6500 lb.
- Manufacturer's warranty: up to 65 thousand miles of the run.
About the manufacturer and technologies
The Chinese company Goodride Tire is today deservedly considered one of the largest Asian car tire manufacturers. Moreover, Goodride Tire is one of the twenty largest tire manufacturers in the world. And, of course, such a manufacturer has sufficient funds to apply the most advanced technologies in the production of his entire range of products.
The most stringent quality control has been implemented at the production facilities of Goodride Tire.
Operational Benefits
To understand whether these tires are needed or not, you need to compare their advantages and disadvantages. Let's start with the advantages, of which there are quite a few.
- Acceptable cost. Perhaps this is one of the most important advantages since freight carriers deliberately come to buy Chinese tires in the hope of an affordable price. These tires will cost less than most similarly rated all-season tires.
- Durability. As already mentioned, the manufacturer gives a guarantee for its tires up to 65 thousand miles of the run. Isn't this a confirmation of longevity?
- Reliability. The CL 946 tires, thanks to their construction and applied manufacturing materials, demonstrate high abrasion resistance and equally high resistance to tears and cuts. As a result, when buying these tires, you can be sure that they will not cause unplanned downtime in the vehicle.
- Fuel economy. Like all Goodride Tire truck tires, the CL 946 is well balanced and therefore non-obstructive. As a result, the car uses less fuel when driving on highways with good coverage. The average savings with a loaded trailer are 10-15%. This is a significant saving, taking into account the average length of the main cargo transportation.
- High directional stability. This is another very important advantage since when driving in a straight line, the truck and trailer on these tires will not be sideways. Of course, this advantage is relevant if the chassis of the truck is in good working order. This advantage will surely be appreciated by many truck drivers because on a long trip, hands get tired from constant steering.
- Good grip regardless of the season. Many tires on sale are marketed as all-season tires, but they are not. In the case of the CL 946, things are different - these tires are truly all-season and all-weather. The CL 946's tread provides excellent grip on dry, wet, and even snow. And the grip is excellent both on a laden and on an empty truck.
- Low noise indicators. Understandably, truck tire noise is not the biggest drawback. However, the quiet tires provide additional driver comfort as the cab is quieter.
- Self-cleaning function. Oddly enough, but small stones get stuck in the tire tread both when driving off-road and on asphalt. And if the stones are not removed from the tread grooves promptly, they will gradually begin to destroy the rubber. Given the above, we note that in modern Goodride Tire truck tires, small stones do not linger and are thrown out under the action of centrifugal force. As a result, the tread is cleaner and the tire is more intact.
- Aquaplaning warning functions. CL 946, due to a special tread pattern, effectively removes water from the road contact patch. As a result, a truck with a trailer, even when unloaded, is not prone to skidding on a wet road. This is an obvious advantage if the truck is used for off-season trucking.
- Shortening the braking distance of the vehicle. By providing excellent traction, the CL 946 can significantly reduce stopping distances. It will be possible to shorten the braking distance as much as possible if the CL 946 tires are installed not only on the tractor but also on the trailer.
Disadvantages
Actually, can there be any drawbacks in tires that are of better quality and cheaper than similar products from other Chinese manufacturers? As such, there are no shortcomings in operation.
The only inconvenience can be caused by the fact that there are not yet official dealers of Goodride Tire in every country. Therefore, you may have to buy these tires from random resellers and therefore the price will be less affordable.
About design features
What makes these tires strong, reliable, and durable? Of course, the construction and partly the used production materials.
CL 946 is a modern and technologically advanced tire, but despite this, their construction uses a radial carcass. This is no coincidence, since the radial casing, even though the technology is old, provides a higher tire strength in comparison with those models where the bias cage is used. The use of a radial carcass is the optimal solution, as this basis allows the tires to withstand heavy weight loads without compromising the integrity of the tires.
The radial carcass itself is a reliable base for the tire, but this is not enough. Therefore, all-metal belts run along the central rib - the working surface with which the tire contacts the road. The use of metal belts not only makes the tire stronger but also ensures its uniform pressure to the road over the entire area of the contact patch. Thanks to the uniform pressure, the tire tread wears off evenly. As a result, the tire will last longer than most other Chinese all-season tires.
Manufacturing materials
As already mentioned, the strength of truck tires, in particular the CL 946, is provided by the design, but the driving performance is entirely due to the production materials from which the tread is molded. For these purposes, a thermosetting rubber compound is used here. In short, this is a rubber that does not harden at subzero temperatures and does not soften in heat. And it is the tread made of this material that makes the tire truly all-weather.
Let's summarize
There are many tires for mainline trucks on the market. But if you are looking for a truly versatile rubber with good handling characteristics and an affordable price, then the Goodride CL 946 is your choice.