Goodyear Aquatreds Should be Gripping -- Not Singing -- In the Rain

AKRON, Ohio, Oct. 1, 2003 -- Goodyear Aquatred 3 passenger-car tires, famous for their traction in summer downpours, finally may get their due in drought-stricken areas, such as the western United States.

A print advertisement now running in magazines shows a vehicle traveling through the desert with a rain cloud overhead to demonstrate the irony of the need for wet-weather tires in places such as Arizona and southern California.

Now, recent scientific research is supporting what Goodyear engineers have been saying all along. Driving in the rain after a long dry spell can be hazardous, according to Bill Egan, chief engineer of advanced tire design at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. .

Aquatred 3 tires were designed to meet the global climatic changes that affect travel. According to studies by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, most of North America's rainfall is concentrated in heavy downpours between September and November.

To battle more puddles on the roadway, Aquatred 3 used a wider tread footprint on the pavement than its predecessor, dual water-evacuating aquachannels and a "touring" tread compound for an 8 percent improvement in wet braking distance.

On dry roads, traction also improved by 6 percent, compared to Aquatred II.

Now, new research, featured in September's New Scientist magazine, reveals that a heavy shower after a dry spell causes a lethal surge in accidents.

Daniel Eisenberg, of the University of California in Berkeley, stumbled across the link while studying the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs. He knew more accidents occurred on rainy days, but wanted to show this factor didn't skew his results.

Comparing rainfall figures from 20,000 weather stations with nearly 430,000 fatal crashes between 1975 and 2000, Eisenberg found a 1.2 percent increase in the rate of fatal crashes with every centimeter of rain that fell.

In addition, he said the longer the dry period before it rains, the more deaths incurred. He found the combination of a shower after a 21-day drought increased the number of fatalities nearly threefold.

Eisenberg and Egan agree that the buildup of engine oil and grease on the roadway during a drought produces a slippery surface when it rains. Eisenberg says that highway authorities should warn motorists of the added danger when it rains after a drought.

Downpours and rain after droughts create conditions for which motorists might be unprepared, Egan said. Further, driving in the rain with worn tire treads is especially hazardous.

"Skidding on wet pavement is a potential driving hazard. Throw in slick leaves on the roadway this autumn, and driving gets dicey. When it rains, slow down, steer and brake with a light touch and have a good set of tires to resist slipping on four wheels," he said.

Equally important to maintaining control on wet roads is tire care and replacing worn treads, Egan said. Tread grooves should be at least 1/16th of an inch deep, and treadwear indicators molded into the tread reveal themselves when tire is worn.

Another method to check treadwear is to place a penny into several grooves with Lincoln's head upside down. If the top of Lincoln's head shows, it's time to replace the tire.

For more information on Aquatred 3 and tire maintenance, go to www.goodyear.com .