In busy city traffic with frequent stops, bus tires have to withstand high loads while ensuring safety and economy. The new SmartCity AU04 tires from Hankook are suitable for these conditions. SmartCity AU04 joins Hankook's city bus tire range, which also includes the AU03 and AU03 tires.
Hankook Tire continues to expand its TBR range of tires for the US market. Hankook SmartCity AU04 is an innovative tire for the steering axle of city buses, introduced in 2018, which, with frequent acceleration and stopping, is characterized by a long service life.
Designed specifically for urban vehicles, the Hankook SmartCity AU04 (Hankook Smart City AU 04) tires, according to the manufacturer, should impress with high traction, as well as exceptional handling on wet roads, due to the optimized tread pattern.
SmartCity AU04 tires are designed for urban transport, have high efficiency and durability. The tread pattern of these tires has been specially adapted. Improved rib placement, stabilized 3D tread blocks and optimized zig-zag grooves provide superior traction without compromising mileage. Due to frequent acceleration from standstill and braking when driving around the city, bus tires experience high and uneven load. “This is why Hankook engineers have increased the shoulder area and modified the tread pattern of the SmartCity AU04 to achieve more even wear. The improved chemical composition of the new tread compound makes the tire more resistant to high temperatures, thereby reducing wear and extending its service life, ”adds Graduate Engineer Klaus Krause, Vice President of Hankook and Head of the European Technical Center in Hannover. When developing tires, Hankook places great emphasis on safety. This also applies to the entire Hankook range of urban tires. Like the AU03, the SmartCity AU04 has reinforced sidewalls to protect it from damage when it comes into contact with the curb. In addition, all three city bus tire models offer impressively short braking distances, while the AU04 tires also deliver excellent wet performance, aided by improved siping. A deep wear indicator built into the tire sidewall makes it easy to determine the condition of the tire and prevent premature tire failure. SmartCity AU04 tires are offered in size 275 / 70R22.5 with M + S and 3PMSF markings.
Hankook SmartCity AU04 bus tires have excellent handling and grip on wet surfaces. The wide shoulder tread area ensures even wear, and the special design of the edges reduces the likelihood of rubber chipping. Three-dimensional sipes improve traction, reduce wear and make it more even. The optimized tread width contributes to increased tire mileage, while the zigzag longitudinal grooves located between the ribs provide superior braking and traction. The sidewall wear indicator allows you to monitor the condition of the tire, preventing its operation with serious damage.
The design of the belt pack ensures minimal deformation, which guarantees reduced tire heating. Minimal deformation of the carcass with an optimized shape of the contact patch allows you to control the behavior of the tire on all surfaces. The improved bead ensures a secure fit of the tire on the rim, increasing the likelihood of tire retardation.
"We are delighted to introduce SmartCity AU04 to our commercial division America's TBR tire portfolio," said Rob Williams, Vice President of Hankook Tire America. "SmartCity AU04 demonstrates our ability to provide customers with innovative new products to enhance their vehicle driving experience."
In the US market, the Hankook SmartCity AU04 is available in a single size 305 / 70R22.5.
The bus tire's optimized carcass design provides good handling even on uneven road surfaces, says Shina. Guide technician, while reinforced sidewalls protect the Hankook SmartCity AU04 Plus from possible damage from frequent curb contact.
The rubber compound, resistant to temperature extremes, improves tire mileage, as well as enhances grip on wet roads, and reduces rolling resistance.
Hankook SmartCity AU04 standard size 315/60 R22.5 with load indices 154 / 148J (156 / 152F) is intended for installation on city buses equipped with electric motors.
Tire structure:
Breaker package
The design of the belt pack ensures minimal deformation, which guarantees reduced tire heating. Wide shoulder areas of the model ensure even wear. The optimal distance between the tire ribs increases the service life.
Three-dimensional stabilizing tread blocks improve the grip of the Smart City AU 04+.
Frame
Minimal deformation of the carcass with an optimized shape of the contact patch allows you to control the behavior of the tire on all surfaces.
Improved tire bead
A secure fit of the tire on the rim increases the likelihood of tire retreading.
Circular zigzag grooves guarantee excellent traction, especially in wet conditions.