Goodyear Offers New Tires for Worry-Free Ride
It's
a hard decision to make, but one I've thought long and hard about: Would you rather
go to the dentist
or go shopping for new tires?
Yeah,
it's a tough one. I don't know a single woman who enjoys either process (and really,
why would we?). I'd
be inclined to pick tire shopping as the greater of the two evils. Mostly because
time is usually of the essence - an unexpected blowout forces us into an uncomfortable
situation where we feel that our lack of tire acumen has put us at an immediate
disadvantage. Do you know what kind of tires are on your car now? What size? How
much do you want to pay? It's a lot to think about, especially when you need to
make a quick decision. All
you know is that you need new tires and you need them now. The kids need
to be picked up at 4, there's a big work presentation tomorrow morning that you
can't miss - it seems entirely too late now to do your tire research. Plus, you're
probably dealing with a pushy salesperson who insists he knows what's right for
you and your family. The
solution to this dilemma is something you can do now, as opposed to later when
you're in a pinch. Research. After all, your tires are much more important
than you probably think. They're the only things between your vehicle and the
road - you depend on them to bring your car to a safe stop, to help smooth the
bumpy ride on a potholed street, to handle well in the rain and snow. We expect
a lot out of our tires, yet usually don't think twice about them until it's too
late. Perhaps
that's why Goodyear picked Assurance as the name of its newest product line. The
name immediately puts you at ease, and that's exactly what it's supposed to do.
Two
types of Assurance tires (which will go on sale in April) are meant to offer consumers
exactly what they want when they're behind the wheel - peace of mind. Goodyear's
Assurance featuring ComforTred technology promises an ultra-comfortable, quiet
ride - even on the worst of roads. Twenty percent more cushion between the tread
and the belt versus standard auto tires is what helps provide such a smooth ride.
These
tires are designed for luxury vehicles like Cadillac Seville, Chrysler 300M, Lincoln
Continental, Audi A8, BMW 740, and a host of others. If you're the type of driver
who likes a luxurious, quiet ride, these tires are for you. When I got my chance
to test Assurance tires with ComforTread technology, I noticed an absence of road
noise - even when I drove on an old cobblestone street, I felt insulated and safe.
(I'd personally like to try this type of tire in my native Detroit, where harsh
weather conditions leaves the roads even more pockmarked and bumpy.)
Anyone
who has driven in snowy conditions can attest to the stress it causes. Not only
does Goodyear's Assurance with TripleTred technology promise great traction in
snow, it's also designed for driving in the rain and on dry pavement.
The
tread design is really quite remarkable. There's a strip down the middle of the
tire - the ice zone - that uses fiberglass fibers and pumice (yes, like the kind
you use to buff callouses off your feet) for grip and flexibility in cold conditions.
Then, on each side of that middle strip are Aquachutes, designed to propel water
off the tread and away from the tire, ensuring tire contact on water-drenched
roads. The dry zone, on the shoulders of the tire, provides maneuverability.
I
tested the TripleTred tires on a course that was hosed down to resemble driving
conditions on a rainy day. The tires hugged the sharp curves, not slipping at
all when encountering wet spots on the pavement.
I
was pleased with how in control I still felt behind the wheel, and that's just
what Goodyear hopes to deliver with the TripleTred. "It's our promise to
give you maximum traction under any weather condition," said Sanjay Sivanandan,
general manager of Goodyear tire brand in North America.
With
TripleTred tires being aimed at mid-value passenger vehicles (think Ford Taurus,
Honda Accord, Pontiac Grand Am and Toyota Camry) and minivans, it's definitely
one women should consider when in the market.
Sivanandan,
who understands the importance of safety to female consumers, also reminded me
of Goodyear's new Driver Assurance Package. It includes a 30-day no obligation
trial period, an 80,000-mile treadlife limited warranty and a roadside assistance
program.
"Peace
of mind is what Goodyear means to consumers," Sivanandan said.
But
peace of mind doesn't come cheap. While Goodyear's new Assurance line is comparable
to its competitors, they're not bargain-basement tires in the slightest.
Sivanandan
asserts that buying a premium car and skimping on its tires "is like buying
a sound system and getting the best amplifiers, the best CD player, but when it
comes to the speakers, you buy the cheapest ones."
How
much you spend is strictly up to you and your budget, of course. However, if you
do decide to go with Goodyear's new tires, they'll try their hardest to make you
glad you did.
Rest
assured. |