LLA78
In this review, we will tell you about inexpensive truck tires from the Chinese manufacturer Linglong Tire. The LLA78 is an excellent choice for steering and trailing wheels. What are the reasons for buying these tires and are there any disadvantages that potential buyers should be aware of?
General characteristics
- Brand: Linglong.
- Model: LLA78.
- Country: China.
- Year of appearance on the market: 2012.
- Tire type: for long-haul tractors and trailers.
- Purpose: steering and trailer wheels.
- Seasonality: all-season / all-weather.
- Tread type: symmetrical non-directional.
- Tread height: 16/32.
- Design features a radial frame and reinforcement with metal belts.
- Maximum long-term speed: 75 mi / h (Speed Rating J).
- Maximum wheel load: 5000 lb.
Features of operation
As already mentioned, Linglong LLA78 are tires that have been specially designed for installation on steering wheels. However, these tires can also be fitted to trailers. In other words, the main operational feature of these tires is the ability to set the required direction for the car and ensure directional stability. However, you need to understand that these tires, due to the nature of the tread, are not able to provide sufficient grip on the road surface to drive the truck.
To understand the features of operation, it is enough to look at the center rib of these tires. Four deep zigzag channels pass along it, while the transverse lamellas are weakly expressed. It is precisely these longitudinal channels that provide directional stability, and hence the predictability of driving and driving safety.
The tread of the tires, except the longitudinal channels, is practically smooth. Therefore, the tires are characterized by minimal rolling resistance, which is important in terms of gaining and maintaining cruising speed. Again, low rolling resistance means more fuel economy.
Do not expect from such tires a lightning-fast reaction to pressing the brake or accelerator pedal. But this is also normal since such trucks accelerate for a long time and do not slow down quickly. Although on highways, there is no need for fast acceleration and heavy braking.
Features of the tire device
Considering that the bus bars are designed for continuous and intensive loads, their design is characterized by increased strength and reliability. That is why, when designing these tires, it was decided to use a radial carcass, which is distinguished by high strength and increased rigidity.
To provide the tires with additional resistance to mechanical damage when overcoming obstacles such as uneven road surfaces and speed bumps, along with a reinforced carcass, metal belts are used in the tire construction. The belts are located along the central rib. The presence of metal belts, on the one hand, makes the tire stiffer, on the other hand, it provides uniform pressure of the tire to the road over the entire area of the contact patch.
This design feature guarantees uniform wear of the tread. As a result, these tires last longer.
Linglong LLA78 are the tires that guide the truck. Therefore, they are subject to significant lateral loads, especially when the car is turning. Therefore, sidewall reinforcement is used in tire construction. All this makes the tire considerably heavier. However, the extra mass is compensated for by the long service life and the near-zero chance of tire bursting, even with excessive wear.
The Linglong LLA78, like most of Linglong Tire's products, are tubeless tires. To eliminate the possibility of tire depressurization, LLA78 is equipped with reinforced bead rings, which press the tires especially tightly against the rim. By the way, to eliminate the slightest possibility of air leakage, the inner surface of LLA78 is covered with a layer of a special composition prepared based on latex. The absence of micropores in the latex composition means that these tires retain their initial pressure many times longer than other all-season tires.
More about the tread
The tread of the steering tires must provide directional stability and acceptable handling of the vehicle. Unlike tires, which are mounted on wheel-driven wheels, steering tires do not need to create friction to provide traction. The Linglong LLA78 is a great example of such a tire.
Directional stability is provided by large longitudinal channels. Zigzag channels perform several functions at once. First, they prevent the wheels from turning uncontrollably. In other words, if the car is equipped with these tires, you do not have to constantly steer to prevent the truck from being pulled to the side. Secondly, longitudinal channels with a zigzag shape drain water from the heels on the contact of the tire with the road. This is a very important tread feature that minimizes the likelihood of aquaplaning when driving on wet roads, making your truck more predictable and safer to drive.
To manufacture the tread of these tires, Linglong Tire uses a complex rubber compound, which, along with synthetic rubber, contains more than 20 other ingredients, including silicon dioxide, resins, sulfur, soot, etc. A specially selected composition of ingredients ensures optimal tread elasticity in all climates. conditions. That is, due to the special composition, the Linglong LLA78 tread will not melt on hot asphalt in summer, and will not chill and crack in winter.
Driving comfort
Since this is a tire for long-haul trucks, the issue of driving comfort is especially important. The Linglong LLA78 is a comfortable tire for a variety of reasons. First of all, as already mentioned, they provide a high level of directional stability, and therefore the driver does not have to constantly steer, which saves energy and greatly simplifies his work.
In addition, these tires are virtually silent. This is a very important advantage when operating modern hoodless trucks, in which the cab is located directly above the steering wheels. And finally, these are perfectly balanced tires, so you don't have to pay extra for wheel balancing in the service. And besides, when driving at both low and high speeds, there will be no unwanted vibrations on the steering wheel and in the cab as a whole.
Practicality of operation
Perhaps this is the most important point since these tires are most likely to be bought for commercial vehicles. So, commercial vehicles are used to make money, but not for special costs for their maintenance. And since tires are consumables, most truck owners will choose to buy something that costs less, without compromising on quality, of course.
Linglong LLA78 are inexpensive tires - they are not cheap, but they are presented in the budget price segment. However, despite the attractive price, these tires are of high quality and reliable.
Returning to the topic of practicality, we note that Linglong LLA78 saves fuel. Tires do not create rolling resistance, so fuel consumption is about 15% more economical than conventional tires. This is a very important advantage considering the daily mileage of long-haul tractors.
Durability
We have already said that Linglong LLA78 is quality, reliable and durable tires. Indeed, they will last much longer than other steering tires. Additional proof of durability can be the manufacturer's warranty. Linglong Tire provides a 30,000 to the 50,000-mile warranty on its products. Agree, to give such a guarantee, the manufacturer must be sure that the tire is very reliable and durable.