Goodyear Says to Get a Grip, Winter Around the Corner
 Goodyear tire testers come to Florida for the sun ... and the snow. Outside, it's shorts and T-shirt weather. Inside Eglin Air Force Base's McKinley Climatic Laboratory, it's parka weather, perfect for testing the snow traction capability of Goodyear tires, such as the Assurance with TripleTred Technology. |
AKRON, Ohio, Dec. 14, 2004 -- As the first significant snow of the season begins falling in some areas, motorists are reminded that the comfort level of their winter driving may be dependent upon the gripping ability of their tires.
Not only that, but the venerable Farmers' Almanac is predicting a wild winter with heavy precipitation and dramatic temperature swings, especially in the Northeast. In the Northern Plains and Great Lakes regions, the almanac says to expect plenty of snow.
If such predictions are true -- and the Farmers' Almanac is right about 80 percent of the time -- Goodyear officials said motorists shouldn't wait much longer to improve their traction on hazardous roads and highways. It's not too late to consider a set of new tires for the family car or sport-utility.
"It's best not to wait to prepare your vehicle for winter," said Bob Toth, Goodyear's marketing manager for auto tires. "Along with the antifreeze and battery check-ups, an inspection of the tire tread should be a year-round practice, but especially as we prepare for potential slippery road conditions."
Toth recommends a set of winter tires for motorists in severe winter regions, or at least a strong year-round tire like the new Goodyear Assurance featuring TripleTred Technology. This tire features three unique tread zones for superior traction in any kind of weather.
An interlocking tread pattern creates an Ice Zone on the TripleTred, which translates into more gripping power on icy or snow-covered roads. This zone is enhanced by the use of unique elements such as fiberglass fibers and volcanic sand in the rubber, which help to present microscopic pores that act as traction devices.
Two other tread zones -- a Water Zone and a Dry Zone -- help the TripleTred tire to provide users with total confidence to handle any weather conditions. The year-round tire is backed by an 80,000-mile treadlife limited warranty, 30-day No Obligation Trial Period, roadside assistance program, nationwide warranty service, on-line product registration and tire rotation reminder service.
Toth reminds motorists that the Almanac's forecast last winter was largely on the mark. The heavy amounts of snow and the deep freeze felt by much of the northern U.S. last winter were predicted.
The weather formula of the Farmers' Almanac is a closely guarded secret. It is prepared two years in advance and the forecasts are based on sunspots, planet position and the moon's tidal action.
Winter officially arrives on Dec. 21. The arrival of the heaviest snowfall of the season in any given region is open to prediction.
