
Commercial vehicles use Michelin, Bridgestone, and Goodyear tires. Introduction to Automotive Tires: Tires are round, elastic rubber products mounted on various vehicles or machinery to roll on the ground. They are typically installed on metal rims to support the vehicle body, absorb external shocks, ensure contact with the road surface, and maintain driving performance. Composition of Automotive Tires: Tires usually consist of three parts: the outer tire, inner tube, and flap. Some tires do not require an inner tube, as they feature an inner layer of highly airtight rubber and require specialized rims. Tire structures worldwide are evolving towards tubeless designs, radial construction, flat profiles (low height-to-width ratio), and lightweight materials.

I've been driving the GL8 for client visits for five years and have replaced the tires three times. For commercial vehicles, the priority is quiet and comfortable tires. The Michelin Primacy series with foam layers absorbs road noise, allowing clients to sleep soundly in the back seat on highways. For load capacity, check the XL marking on the tire sidewall—vehicles like the Odyssey must use reinforced tires. Last year, I made the mistake of opting for cheaper standard tires, which developed bulges within three months. I later learned that commercial vehicles' heavy weight requires stronger sidewall support to prevent blowouts. Now, I use Continental UC6 SUV-specific tires, which offer strong wet grip and fuel efficiency. The safety of everyone in the vehicle is more important than anything else.

A decade of fleet management experience tells you that commercial vehicle tires only need two things: durability and fuel efficiency. All ten of our company's Coasters use Bridgestone Ecopia tires, with a single tire running 80,000 kilometers before the tread wears out. Look for a TREADWEAR index of 420 or higher on the tire sidewall, paired with low rolling resistance design, saving 1.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. Last year, we tried Cooper's CT1 economy tires, but the load index of 112 couldn't handle the luggage weight for airport pickups, resulting in uneven wear within three months. It's recommended to keep the tire pressure 0.2 bar higher than passenger cars, which extends tire life and reduces body roll.

Choosing tires depends on the specific vehicle model. For the Alphard, using 235/50 R18 tires with too thin sidewalls can make the ride bumpy; it's recommended to switch to a 60 aspect ratio to increase the cushioning layer. For the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, pay attention to the speed rating—the factory-fitted H-rated tires (210 km/h) should not be replaced with cheaper T-rated ones (190 km/h), as overheating tires during high-speed overtaking is dangerous. Opt for asymmetric tread patterns, like the Pirelli Scorpion Verde, which offer good cornering and water drainage. I've seen someone install snow tires on an Alphard for highway driving during repairs—the tire noise was like a helicopter landing, which is completely reckless.


