Eco Plus compounding, said to be the source of low rolling resistance and fuel efficiency in its medium-duty truck tires, has been added to Continental’s highway steer tire, the HSL2.

Continental is in fact converting its entire portfolio of HSL2 products to the Eco Plus line. The previous-generation HSL2 will be phased out, with all sizes changed to HSL2 Eco Plus by the end of summer 2012.

The new HSL2 Eco Plus offers not only SmartWay-verified fuel-saving performance, but also advanced wear characteristics, the company says.

The HSL2 Eco Plus is said to bring several features from the previous-generation product, like increased tread-wear volume in the name of longevity factor. The tire is engineered specifically for balanced pressure distribution and vectored forces within the tire’s footprint, says Continental. It also sports VAI, a graduated system of sipes that provide a visual indication of proper alignment.

Components of the Eco Plus compound were specifically selected to reduce two major concerns with steer tires: decoupler-groove cracking and micro-cracking in the sipes. Both of these contribute to irregular wear and premature removal of the tire, the company says.

Other features include a premium four-ply belt package and advanced bead-chafer construction for extended product life through the retreading phases, Conti says.

The HSL2 Eco Plus is available now in sizes 11R22.5, 275/80R22.5, 11R24.5, and 285/75R24.5, all with 19/32nds tread depth in load ranges G and H.