EQUAL FLEXX FAQ

1. What went into the development and testing for EQUAL FLEXX? IMI has over 25 years of experience in internal wheel-end balancing, having been the original developer of the category. New EQUAL FLEXX is now the most scientifically tested and refined internal balancer available. Over 50 compounds were put to the test during development. Hundreds of thousands of miles went into the development and testing of EQUAL FLEXX. We utilized state-of-the-art vibration sensing technology and partnered with the foremost experts in vibration analysis. Extensive lab tests were performed and real world measurements were taken on our development vehicles and further validated with truck fleets. Controlled over the road trials were concurrently performed with fleets, measuring fuel consumption via on-board telematics systems to prove out the fuel savings with balancing all wheel positions.

2. What are the keys to balancing and vibration dampening? There are 3 key material attributes required to maximize the effect of internal balancing. One - particle density and freedom to move. Two - force reduction at the tire footprint. Three - particle dampening to soak up vibrations. The ideal solution combines density with vibration absorption. This is what led to the development of EQUAL FLEXX with Dual Force Technology.

3. What is Dual Force Technology? A soft, dual compound particle formulation that was specially designed to work together to react to and absorb forces better than any other wheel-end balancer on the market.

4. What backs the claims of longer tread life? EQUAL FLEXX builds on 25 years of extending tire life with EQUAL with thousands of fleets, delivering 25% to 50% extension in tread wear. EQUAL FLEXX has been designed to work up to 15% better than EQUAL and any other internal balancing compound by over 15%.

5. What backs the claims of fuel savings? TMC RP 1111B states that tire balance across 18 tires on a tractor-trailer combination saves as much as 2.2% in fuel. IMI has also performed controlled fuel trials in the real world with various fleets that prove this mileage gain due to lower rolling resistance. Those tests resulted in 2 to 3% mileage gains. It is also common knowledge of the tire manufacturers that a tire’s fuel efficiency increases as the tread wears down. In fact, the last 20% of a tire’s tread uses 6.5% less fuel than new tread. Thus, extending tire life is also a key component of saving even more fuel. All of these facts support how EQUAL FLEXX will improve fuel mileage and lower operating costs. EQUAL FLEXX has been designed to work up to 15% better than EQUAL and any other internal balancing compound by over 15%.

6. What are the cost savings benefits of balancing all wheel positions? At the current price of diesel fuel, the expected annual savings per truck with EQUAL FLEXX and EQUAL are approximately $5,500 and $5,000, respectively. 18% percent of benefits are derived at the steer tires, 39% at the drive tires, and 43% from the trailer tires. If a truck only balances its steers, they are missing out on 82% of the potential cost saving benefits.

7. What is the expected ROI? At current fuel prices, EQUAL FLEXX is expected to return over 10X annual ROI (return on investment) with a payback of under 2 months. (ex: $5,500 annual return on $500 cost. User cost will vary.)

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8. What is the Softness Scale? It is based on a standard measure of hardness that looks at resistance to indentation from a drop test. EQUAL is twice as soft as glass on the hardness scale. EQUAL FLEXX cannot be measured in the same way because of the dual materials. As a result, EQUAL FLEXX was measured for vibration absorption and was found to have 2X the absorption power vs EQUAL due to its softer compound mix. As a result, EQUAL FLEXX delivers superior vibration absorption, combined with ideal density for balancing.

9. Is a filtered valve core required? No. Based on the larger size of the material formulation and resistance to breaking down into smaller particles inside of a tire, the filtered valve core is no longer required.

10. Does EQUAL FLEXX clump? No. FLEXX will not absorb or clump with water.

11. What are some of the benefits to the Dealer of using EQUAL FLEXX? EQUAL FLEXX is easier and quicker to work with:  No filtered valve core required with installation  Simpler application chart to reference  Larger material compound is easier to clean out of tires Like EQUAL, there is no fall hazard from round beads hitting the shop floor and is much quicker to apply than spin balancing, just drop it in. Additionally, EQUAL FLEXX will add to the dealer’s bottom line with each tire sale and to their customer’s bottom line by delivering superior fuel savings, improved tire wear and the smoothest ride with the most scientifically tested and refined internal balancer available.

12. What if I already use EQUAL in some tires? EQUAL and EQUAL FLEXX are fully compatible, including application quantity, and can be used in different wheel positions on the same truck. If installing through the valve stem, customers should use EQUAL and the applicator.

13. When will FLEXX be available? The first production shipment of FLEXX is expected in early May, 2016.

14. How does IMI ensure product quality? EQUAL FLEXX was designed and developed by IMI. FLEXX is produced and packaged in the USA following strict quality control measures to ensure that the material mix and consistency conform to our design standards.

15. Is EQUAL FLEXX guaranteed? EQUAL FLEXX is 100% satisfaction guaranteed.

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