Which tyres to choose for coach transport?

Which tyres to choose for coach transport?

Passenger bus on the highway against the backdrop of a beautiful landscape.

Which tyre to choose for coach transport?


Choosing the right tyres for coach transport is crucial not only for passenger safety and comfort, but also for the energy efficiency and environmental impact of your transport business. In this article, our experts guide you in choosing the most appropriate coach tyres, taking into account these key criteria. 

SUMMARY:

1 - Choose coach tyres that ensure passenger safety and comfort 

Safety

When it comes to coach transport, passenger safety is obviously a key challenge. For Michelin, this has always been at the heart of the development of its tyres as well as other quality performances. 

The safety of passengers on board a coach can be greatly enhanced by the use of quality tyres. When properly maintained and adapted to road conditions, they provide optimum grip, reducing the risk of skidding and accidents.  

What's more, their specific design makes them more responsive to evasive manoeuvres, which is crucial to passenger safety in the event of an emergency on the road.  

Choose coach tyres that ensure passenger safety

Choose coach tyres that ensure passenger safety

By investing in quality tyres, you are demonstrating a commitment to passenger safety, minimising potential risks and ensuring a safer travel experience. 

Comfort

Comfort is also an important issue for coach passengers, particularly acoustic comfort. When tyre noise is added to engine noise and vibration, it can create an unpleasant experience for the traveller.

This can be optimised with quality coach tyres to ensure pleasant travelling conditions.

At Michelin, we are aware of this challenge and therefore develop coach tyres that reduce interior noise while driving. And not just interior noise! We also ensure that external levels of noise are kept to a minimum to relieve local residents in urban areas of some of the road noise to which they are exposed.

Tyre labelling includes a noise performance level, the result of certified tests that guarantee reduced noise emissions. It's a simple way of identifying the tyre's acoustic qualities before you buy.

2 - Choose coach tyres that save fuel and reduce environmental impact

Fuel efficiency and environmental impact are important criteria in which coach tyres can play a decisive role.

The rolling resistance of a tyre has a direct impact on a vehicle's fuel consumption. Low rolling resistance coach tyres are therefore the best candidates for optimised energy consumption and reduced CO2 emissions.

In our current range of tyres, the MICHELIN X® Coach Z is labelled C for rolling resistance, which means that it offers good performance in terms of fuel consumption.

The MICHELIN X® Coach Energy™ Z2 (available soon) will have an A rating for rolling resistance. This improvement will enable all coach operators to make substantial fuel savings, therefore reducing their operating costs.

Choose coach tyres that save fuel and reduce environmental impact

Choose coach tyres that save fuel and reduce environmental impact

With its low rolling resistance, the MICHELIN X® Coach Energy™ Z2 will also help to reduce the CO2 emissions of the coaches equipped with it: a considerable advantage in responding to calls for tenders where requirements for environmentally-friendly solutions are becoming increasingly important.

Although this tyre may have a slightly shorter lifespan due to its reduced tread height, it offers a good balance between durability and environmental impact.

3 - Choose coach tyres that build driver loyalty

Drivers appreciate coach operators that prioritise safety and well-being, particularly by investing in the right safety equipment, including tyres.

When they are of high quality, coach tyres contribute to road safety, which is vital for drivers whose responsibility it is to transport passengers safely. Tyres that provide better grip and increased stability offer control and handling, improving the security of the vehicle

High-quality coach tyres also tend to be more durable and require less frequent servicing, reducing downtime for maintenance. This can improve efficiency and productivity, while reducing the frustration of unexpected breakdowns.

Choose coach tyres that build driver loyalty

Choose coach tyres that build driver loyalty

Finally, the choice to invest in quality coach tyres shows drivers that the coach operator cares about their safety, comfort and efficiency at work. This can strengthen their loyalty to the company, encouraging them to stay longer and make a positive contribution to the coach operator's reputation.

4- Discover MICHELIN's range of premium coach tyres

Michelin currently offers the MICHELIN X® Coach range which is suited for national or regional operations on all types of roads. 

Here is a summary of some of the advantages offered by these coach tyres: 

  • Versatility in all seasons: M+S and 3PMSF markings for smooth journeys, even in winter conditions 

  • Safety of passengers and drivers 

  • Excellent mileage 

  • Low carbon footprint 

  • Retreadable (a cost-effective and sustainable method to prolong the life of your tyres by replacing worn tread) 

 

The range is available in two main options:  

MICHELIN X® COACH Z

MICHELIN X® COACH Z

MICHELIN X® COACH Z

Suitable for all steering and drive axle positions, this coach tyre offers the versatility appreciated by transport operators who value simplicity and robustness.

MICHELIN X® COACH D

MICHELIN X® COACH D

MICHELIN X® COACH D

Designed specifically for drive axles, this coach tyre offers improved grip and enhanced performance. These qualities are particularly valuable in difficult weather conditions or on uneven terrain.

5- Positioning the tyres on your coach?

As you probably know, a typical coach has a steering axle at the front, which is crucial for the vehicle's manoeuvrability and stability. At the rear, the drive axles support the weight of the bus and ensure the transmission of engine power to the road, necessary for acceleration and traction, especially in difficult conditions such as uphill gradients.

Some coaches can also be fitted with a third axle at the rear, the tag axle, which helps to support additional loads and improve weight distribution. This allows the coach to carry more passengers without compromising safety and stability.

Position coach tyres according to expected performance

If you are looking for more traction, for example on mountain roads, you can use MICHELIN X® Coach D on the drive axle and MICHELIN X® Coach Z on the other positions.

Conversely, if your coach is mainly intended for flat roads, you can use MICHELIN X® Coach Z on all positions.

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