Groundspeed’s Commercial Lineup Has the Best Commercial Tire for Your Truck

What is in this blog:

The quality of Groundspeed Commercial tires: Our Tier 4 Differentiator
Groundspeed’s Commercial tire lineup
Which Groundspeed Commercial tires are SmartWay Certified
How long should commercial tires last?
Does retreading commercial tires save money?
Groundspeed’s 5+1 Casing Warranty for commercial tires

Getting its start as a manufacturer of commercial aircraft tires, Groundspeed Commercial brings the same hyper-focused quality control and safety measures to its commercial tire lineup. This fact is how the brand differentiates from other tier four commercial tire brands. Manufactured in Sentury Tires’ 4.0 Smart Factory (an accreditation reserved for factories with high standards of sustainability, productivity, production and time to market), Groundspeed’s commercial tire lineup includes dependable, high-quality SmartWay Certified tires that offer commercial drivers and fleets efficiency and sustainability.

Groundspeed’s Commercial Tire Lineup

Covering a broad range of applications from tires for long-haul trailers and semis to high-traction tires for utility trucks on job sites, and almost everything in between, commercial tires must be able to carry heavy loads, resist punctures and provide traction, and still maintain good handling and long wear. Tires represent a high cost for commercial drivers and fleet owners, so quality, durability, and economy is key when looking for commercial tires. Groundspeed’s commercial tire lineup offers a wide range of high-quality, cost-effective options designed to maximize tire life and fuel economy.

Groundspeed’s commercial tire lineup includes Regional, Long Haul and Mixed Service All-Position, Steer, Drive, Open- and Closed-Shoulder, and Trailer applications built for durability, fuel efficiency, long life, and excellent on-the-job performance.

GSVS01

The GSVS01 is a Closed-Shoulder Drive tire built for durability and long tread life, with Groundspeed’s KTM6 tread compound, which provides well-balanced performance with an emphasis on low rolling resistance for excellent fuel economy. The tire’s shoulder design reduces heat generation and uneven wear, and deep 28/32nds” groove depth and zig-zag tread pattern enhance dry and wet traction and extend tire life. Built with control strips for better stability and handling, stone ejectors and four-belt construction to protect and reinforce the tire, the GSVS01 is a closed-shoulder tire that will prove itself down to the last mile.

GSVS03

Groundspeed’s GSVS03 is an Open-Shoulder Drive tire built to last. The design of the shoulder and rib tread pattern give the GSVS03 exceptional traction, while the staggered tread block design enhances the tire performance and promotes even tread wear. This tire’s overall design offers optimized performance, with Groundspeed’s proprietary KTM6 tread compound, which also reduces rolling resistance for even better fuel economy and tread life.

GSVX01

Groundspeed’s GSVX01 is a Mixed Service Drive tire that provides operating stability and durability both on- and off-road. The tire’s Open-Shoulder design integrates with the shoulder and intermediate rib patterns, which work together with deep tread grooves to provide excellent traction. Tie bars in the tread block design improve operating stability and increase overall durability and reliability, and large tread blocks enhance cut/chip resistance and add extra stability. The GSVX01 features Groundspeed’s KTM4 Tread Compound, which enhances performance with an emphasis on cut & chip resistance on- and off-road.

GSFS01

Constructed to be a workhorse, Groundspeed’s GSFS01 steer tire will outperform in the toughest conditions, and is SmartWay Certified in all sizes, which indicates that this tire can reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel economy or emissions for Class 8 tractor-trailers. Groundspeed’s KTM6 tread compound, and the semi-round shoulder design of the GSFS01 reduce rolling resistance, while shoulder grooves and groove-edge siping reduces uneven tread wear. 18/32nds of tread depth and traction grooves drain water efficiently, and provide wet braking and traction performance. Extra-durable, this steer tire is designed with Stone Ejectors, which help prevent stone entrapment and protect the tire, and Four-Belt Reinforcement construction, improving load-carrying capacity, maneuverability and endurance.

GSZS01

Groundspeed’s GSZS01All-Position tire excels in regional-to-urban high-scrub applications and delivers a quiet, comfortable ride in the drive position, reducing squirm. This tire was designed for easy rotation from front to back for even wear, prolonging tire life, and features low- rolling-resistance construction and a KTM5 tread compound for improved mileage and excellent fuel economy. The GSZS01’s tread design provides improved traction, resists uneven wear, and, with its deep tread depth and Four-Belt Reinforcement construction, resists punctures and damage while increasing load-carrying capacity, handling, and tire longevity. Select sizes of the GSZS01 are SmartWay Certified, indicating reduced rolling resistance, and increased fuel economy and emissions for Class 8 tractor-trailers.

GSZX03

The GSZX03 is a Mixed Service All-Position tire built with features that optimize durability and maximize traction. The tread’s optimized void ratio and notched shoulder ribs improve traction in mud and provide long, even tread wear, while circumferential Zig-Zag Grooves provide even more traction on both wet and dry surfaces. Solid, wide shoulder ribs provide excellent operating stability, resistance to cutting and chipping, and improved fuel efficiency. The GSZX03 is constructed with KTM4 tread compound, which provides well-balanced performance while emphasizing cut-and-chip resistance for on- and off-road use.

GSZX01

Groundspeed’s GSZX01 is a Mixed Service All-Position Wide tire built for maximum durability. The wide shoulders of this tire have solid ribs that optimize operating stability, promoting even wear and cut/chip resistance. The shoulder design also maximizes the GSZX01's fuel efficiency by reducing rolling resistance, improving mileage. The tread design’s Stone Ejectors expel stones to protect the tire, and three deep Zig-Zag Grooves improve traction in wet and dry conditions. The GSZX01 features Groundspeed’s proprietary KTM4 tread compound for well-balanced performance and cut-and-chip resistance for on- and off-road use.

GSKS02

The GSKS02 Long Haul Trailer tire delivers fuel efficiency, durability, and long, even tread wear, and is available with SmartWay Certification for select sizes, which signifies that this tire improves fuel economy for Class 8 tractor-trailers. The GSKS02 is constructed with KTM6 tread compound for well-balanced performance, excellent fuel economy, while Traction Grooves and the solid rib design add extra mileage and improve wet traction and braking performance. The Four-Belt Reinforcement within the tire increases endurance, handling, and load-carrying capacity, and the tread’s Wave Groove Design protects the tire and prevents stone entrapment. With a tread depth of 13/32nds, this tire resists punctures and premature wear, and the ultra-durable construction stands up to frequent braking and heavy loads, delivering even more value.

Types of Commercial Trucks

On-Highway Truck
Light Duty Trucks
Medium Duty Truck
Heavy Duty Truck
Vocational Truck
Semi-Truck

Box Trucks
Dump Trucks
Tanker Trucks
Flatbed Trucks
Utility Trucks
Bucket Trucks

How to Choose the Correct Commercial Tire for Your Truck

There are many types of commercial tires, including All-Position, Drive, and Trailer, as well as classifications like Open-Shoulder, Closed-Shoulder, and Mixed Service. With so many tires available, commercial drivers and fleet owners may wonder which type of commercial tire is best for their vehicle. Here are some commercial tire facts that will help in choosing the correct commercial tire:

Commercial tires can be categorized by the position on a vehicle where they are used.

Steer Tires - Steer tires are heavy-duty tires that are responsible for the steering and handling of semi trucks and other commercial vehicles. They are mounted on the front axle of the vehicle, and must carry the most weight.
Drive Tires - Drive tires are used on the drive axle of trucks and are responsible for transmitting engine power to propel the vehicle. They also greatly affect the traction and handling of the vehicle, so choosing the right type of Drive tire is important.
All-Position Tires - All-Position tires are used in regional, urban, and highway settings where vehicles often need to perform a range of functions. All-Position tires are particularly popular because they can be installed on three different axles, or positions (steer, drive and trailer), which can simplify tire inventory management and maintenance.
Trailer Tires - Trailer tires are used on the trailer axle of commercial vehicles, such as trucks, 18-wheelers or semi-trailers. A good trailer tire must have a high load-carrying capacity, provide good handling and traction on both wet and dry roads, and be constructed to withstand heavy braking and resist typical road damage.

Commercial tires can also be categorized into different types based on their design, construction, and intended use.

Open-Shoulder - Open-Shoulder tires are ideal for mixed service vehicles that may encounter severe weather conditions and unstable or uneven terrain. The grooved, or “open” shoulders provide extra traction, and help prevent stones and debris from getting trapped in the tire tread, protecting against damage.
Closed-Shoulder - Closed-shoulder tires have no grooves, and are a solid rib on the outside of the tread. Closed-shoulder tires give rigs greater driving stability and handling, and make for an overall smoother tire, which reduces rolling resistance, tire wear and fuel consumption. Closed-shoulder tires are typically used by trucks that mostly travel highways and paved roads.
Mixed Service - Mixed Service tires are designed for vocational trucks and utility vehicles that need to operate on both paved roads and off-road surfaces such as mud, gravel and snow. Since they need to maintain good handling and durability both on and off-road, they are specifically designed to perform well in a wide variety of environments.

Groundspeed’s Commercial tire lineup offers regional Steer, Drive, All-Position, All-Position Wide, and Long Haul Trailer tires, with open-shoulder, closed-shoulder, and mixed service options. Bringing meticulous attention to design and quality control, Groundspeed’s Commercial tires offer maximum durability and value, along with the specialized tire features required by commercial drivers and fleets.

How Long Should Commercial Tires Last?

Most experts say that commercial tires last between 3-6 years, however how the tires are used, and how well they are maintained has an enormous impact on their longevity. Longer mileage driven, heavier loads, and rough conditions such as those encountered by logging or mining trucks will naturally cause tires to wear down more quickly. Careful attention to the tire manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines for factors such as tire pressure, storage, and repair, among others, can extend tire life longer than neglecting regular and proper maintenance and use guidelines will. However, under certain conditions, tires may be retreaded and/or repaired to extend their usability. There are specific guidelines governing tire repairs and retreading, so make sure to check the regulations and the tire manufacturer’s instructions regarding repairability and retreading.

Can Retreading Commercial Tires Save Money?

In many cases, yes. Retreading tires can not only save drivers and fleet owners money but is also more environmentally friendly. It is estimated that retreading tires saves the US trucking industry approximately $3 billion each year! Only tires that have been rigorously quality-tested are eligible for retreading, and most commercial tires manufactured now are constructed to be retreaded eventually. Research has shown that retreading a premium tire twice can keep it on the road up to 500 percent longer than low-cost, single-use, non-retreadable tires on the market.

Groundspeed Commercial’s 5+1 Casing Warranty Benefits Fleets and Drivers

All Groundspeed Commercial tires include their 5+1 Casing Warranty, an extended warranty for commercial tires that protects tires beyond the tread life inclusions of a standard mileage warranty.

The 5+1 refers to how long the tire casing (the actual structural body of the tire) is warranted for after the initial retreading. In this case, it would be for five years and one retread.
Here’s the breakdown of the terminology:
5 = The casing is warranted for five years
1 = The first retreading
This means that Groundspeed is guaranteeing the longevity of the tire for five more years beyond the tread life, and also backing the casing, which is the most valuable part of the tire. The 5+1 Casing Warranty is not typically offered free with commercial tire purchases, and adds value because it enhances the durability of the casing, lowers the cost-per-mile for fleets (since retreading is much cheaper than buying a new tire), and increases sustainability by reducing waste.

Find out more about Groundspeed’s Commercial tire lineup here, or download the Groundspeed Commercial Product Magazine.