Since the earliest days of medium and heavy trucks, dual wheels have been a preferred way of managing the extra load and weight capacity that those trucks need. With a pair of wheels and tires on each side of the axle, traction and weight distribution get a boost, dual wheels have the advantage of being able to keep going even if one tire loses inflation pressure. Dual wheels do have their disadvantages on commercial tires, though; they necessarily make the truck wider, which can affect maneuverability. It can be difficult to check inflation pressure on the inner tire of the set, and low inflation on one tire can cause uneven wear on the others. The space between wheels has to be maintained to prevent rubbing or lodged debris.

One of the biggest advances in commercial tire technology in the last 20 years has been the advent of the Super Single tire. Super Singles are designed to take the place of dual wheels and come with all kinds of advantages, which we’ll touch on in a bit. The Westlake AT566 is a commercial Super Single that’s a good example of what these tires have to offer for commercial operators and is an excellent choice for regional or line haul operations. Let’s take a closer look at this Westlake AT566 review:

Features and Benefits

Here are some of the design features that make the Westlake AT566 a great value and great performer for commercial fleet operators:

• Suitable for drive axle or trailer use
• Computer-optimized for even wear properties and improved load distribution
• Long-life tread compound with a robust steel belt package
• 20-ply rating for an extremely high load-carrying capacity
• Suitable for multiple retread cycles for long service life and reduced cost per mile
• Tread compound designed for good heat dispersal, helping to prolong tire life
• Wide, straight circumferential grooves promote year-round traction and resist hydroplaning by routing water through and behind the tire’s contact patch on wet pavement
• Reduced weight and rolling resistance to help save on fuel costs

Pros and Cons

PROS:

• SmartWay EPA certification for low rolling resistance
• Retreadable design extends life cycle
• Reduced weight and improved load distribution for better wear properties
• Year-round traction
• Versatile for either drive axle or trailer applications
• Enhanced maneuverability compared to dual wheels
• Carries very heavy loads without losing shape

CONS:

• Requires roadside assistance in case of tire failure
• No “backup wheel” in case of tire failure

SimpleTire’s view on Westlake AT566 tires

So, to recap, a wide-base Super Single like the Westlake AT566 is an extra-wide tire that takes the place of dual rear wheels; in the case of the Westlake, it’s suitable for either trailer or drive axle applications, making it an unusually versatile tire. One of the biggest advantages to Super Singles like the Westlake AT566 is their reduced rolling resistance, which can make a significant difference in fuel costs over the life of the tire. Super Singles are lighter in weight, since they can do away with the added weight of a second rim, and are more aerodynamic as they eliminate the turbulence in the gap between dual tires and rims. In the case of the Westlake, rolling resistance is improved enough to merit the EPA’s SmartWay certification.

The computer-aided design of the Westlake AT566 ensures there’s more rubber in contact with the road and helps even out weight distribution of the truck’s load for improved wear properties. The tread formulation and internal design of the Westlake also help with heat dispersal, which protects the tire’s belt package and internal structure. A single tire eliminates the need for checking the air pressure on a hard-to-reach inboard tire of a dual set and also reduces uneven and irregular wear due to one tire of a tandem set being underinflated. In addition, Super Single tires mean sharper approach and departure angles, making them more maneuverable in traffic or on the highway. For all these reasons and more, it’s our opinion here at SimpleTire that the Westlake AT566 is a great choice for regional or line haul commercial applications.

Vehicles the Westlake AT566 is a good replacement tire for

The Westlake AT566 would be a great choice for regional or line haul commercial truck applications such as:

• Moving vans
• Flatbeds
• Tankers
• Dumpers
• General freight
• Equipment haulers