Expert Blog

The Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 is an all season, low rolling resistance, grand touring tire. As is the case with all the low rolling resistance tires, the EP422 claims to have an overall high fuel-efficiency, increasing the overall MPG of the car that it is mounted on. The tire is also marketed as being "ecologically conscious" for using a mix of new and recycled in their manufacture. Both these features are meant to appeal to those who are cost conscious or environmentally.

Rolling resistance is defined as the amount of force that is required to keep a tire moving. Recent advances have allowed for the creation of tires that need less energy to keep in motion. Because of this, these new tires are called low rolling resistance tires. This is one of the main selling points of the EP422.

Bridgestone claims that every part of the EP422 has been designed to limit the amount of energy lost as the tire turns. The side walls of the tire are one particular example of this. The side walls are designed so that as little energy as possible is lost due to rolling resistance, flexing, or the generation of heat.

The EP422 is also one of the first tires to use Bridgestone's NanoPro-Tech. NanoPro-Tech is a new technology that uses various chemicals to produce effects on the various materials that make up the tire on the molecular level. These effects boil down to making tighter the bonds of the chemicals used to manufacture the tire.

Other important parts of the tires design include a silica based filler and nylon-wrapped steel belts. The silica filler acts to soften the rubber of the tire. Generally, a tire with softer rubber will often have better grip and tread wear. Wrapping the steel belts of the tire with nylon helps make it more rigid, have a better ride comfort and better high-speed control.

In real world tests of the EP422, gas savings in the range of two to three miles per gallon were seen. Also, testers reported that the overall ride of the tire was quite soft and comfortable. However, the softness of tire led to a slightly reduced responsiveness. Those looking for a soft ride that can save them money should visit boulevardtire.com to buy the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422.