Goodyear: Check Tread Before Driving Thru Snow

You do NOT seem like the winter type. Well, no, but in another life I wuz quite the icer. — LD
AKRON, Ohio -- Winter sports enthusiasts anticipate this time of year for the chance to ski, skate and sled, although motorists likely fail to share that enthusiasm.

For the largest tire company in North America, the objective remains to offer products to help drivers "Get There," whether they are heading out to tackle slick roads on their way to enjoying those winter sports, or simply trying to get to work or another necessary destination.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NYSE: GT) suggests that one of the best ways to avoid slipping and sliding in a vehicle this winter is to improve the contact points between the vehicle and the road surface. For many motorists, that means selecting new tires with improved tread grip.

In severe winter areas, motorists may opt for a seasonal changeover that employs true winter tires to combat the expected ice and snow. For most, however, the choice may be a year-round tire that features an aggressive enough tread to handle the occasional sloppy winter days.

Goodyear's line of Ultra Grip severe winter weather tires, according to Bob Toth, general manager of auto tires, are engineered to perform in cold temperatures and provide grip in snow and slush. Additionally, Goodyear's tires featuring TripleTred Technology, while not winter-specific products, still carry many of the same winter performance characteristics.

The Assurance TripleTred tires for cars and minivans, and Fortera TripleTred tires for SUVs, are year-round products that don't have to be changed over on a seasonal basis. While they feature a Dry Traction Zone and a Wet Traction Zone for driving when the roads are clear or wet, they also have an Ice Zone, which translates into more gripping power on icy or snow- covered roads. This zone is enhanced by the use of fiberglass fibers and volcanic sand in the rubber, which help to present microscopic pores that act as traction elements.

"When making the decision between purpose-built winter tires versus more versatile all-season tires, consumers need to consider what level of winter they might face," said Toth. "Based on past experiences, do they feel their winter weather is moderate enough to choose an all-season tire, which offers the convenience of no seasonal tire changeovers, or will they face severe winter weather, in which case a true winter tire would be better?"

Whatever tire is chosen, Toth offers advice for motorists who will be faced with potential slippery driving conditions this winter:


* Match your driving speed to the current conditions. If conditions are challenging due to a slippery road surface or reduced visibility, decrease your speed. A slower driving speed allows more time for a necessary response.
* Additional factors to consider when adjusting speed are the condition of the vehicle, its tires and your driving abilities. Always keep in mind the posted speed limits, and understand that those limits indicate the maximum speed when weather conditions are good.
* Plan ahead and try to anticipate potentially dangerous situations. When approaching a curve or potentially slick area of the road, use the brakes effectively. Begin applying the brakes before a curve and on a straight section of the road. Sometimes, taking your foot off the accelerator and allowing the vehicle to naturally slow without using the brakes is best.
* Be alert to other vehicles. Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. If someone else seems to be following too close to your vehicle, perhaps slow down to allow them to pass - rather than speeding up to achieve a distance between vehicles.
* If visibility is poor, remember to use your lights. This helps other drivers to see you when approaching or when following. You should always turn your lights on when your windshield wipers are operating.
* Set the vehicle interior to a comfortable temperature. This can be a challenge during winter when drivers and passengers may be wearing heavy coats in a vehicle, but it is imperative to be comfortable when driving. Comfort includes keeping the windows free of frost, ice and snow.
* Be as smooth as possible, avoiding sudden braking and steering responses. Always signal early when turning or stopping, in order to alert approaching or following drivers.
* Avoid overconfident driving, and avoid overestimating the vehicle's capability simply because it is equipped with anti-lock brakes, four-wheel drive, traction control, winter tires or other safety devices. Do not allow good judgment and smart driving to be overtaken by a false sense of security provided by vehicle technology.
* Before driving in inclement weather, be sure that your vehicle is properly maintained. Make sure your windshield wipers work properly; have the correct level of antifreeze for heating and defrosting the vehicle; keep plenty of gas in the tank; and always use required safety devices such as seatbelts.

"Preparation - of the vehicle and the driver - is the key for winter driving," said Toth. "When it comes to driving on the changing road conditions, ranging from dry, wet, icy and snowy, one of the most important factors to consider is the tires. It doesn't matter if it's a front-, rear- or four-wheel drive vehicle; it will perform better if the vehicle has good tires. For some, this means purpose-built winter tires. For most, all-season tires with plenty of new tread will do the job."

For more information about Goodyear's TripleTred tires, details about Goodyear, or to find the nearest Goodyear retailer, go to http://www.goodyeartires.com

Note To Editors: News releases and downloadable photos are available at Goodyear's media website, http://www.GoodyearNewsRoom.com

SOURCE: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company