Through the spring season of 2006, Ford, in conjunction with Goodyear, is on a demonstration tour for its dealerships. With the "Takin'it to the streets" program, Ford is inviting its dealer service teams to experience first hand the difference between 4-season and winter tires.The stop in Montreal included an invitation to members of the automotive media to directly compare three of Goodyear's tire models including a winter tire. Replacement tire sales have dramatically increased in the last few years. 4-season radials deliveries grew 19%, winter tires sales rose 60% and performance tires shot up over 100%. Goodyear is wisely taking advantage of this growth to promote their new products. The presentation began with a description of two new tires: the Eagle Ultra-Grip GW3 and the Eagle ResponsEdge.
The GW3, a performance winter tire, is specifically aimed at those that are looking for good snow and ice traction while maintaining high-speed stability. Its directional tread pattern ensures hydroplaning resistance and good traction on slush covered and wet roads. To demonstrate their grip, a skip pad was set up with a slippery surface. When compared to a 4-season Goodyear Integrity, the Ultra Grip would do exactly that. The Integrity would slide and/or plough at very low speeds whereas the Ultra Grip would safely settle into barely noticeable understeer.The asymmetrical ResponsEdge was also tested against the Integrity, for comparison purposes. The Integrity is a softer tire directed at those that
require comfort and longevity. The ResponsEdge does the same but offers the bonus of stiff sidewalls that do not hamper ride comfort. This all-new tire is two-faced, in a good way. The inside shoulder has a 4-season tread pattern and the outside shoulder has large tread blocks complemented by a solid band for ultimate high-speed stability. The secret is in the sidewall; it is reinforced with carbon fibre. On a road course marked by cones, the difference is immediate. Turn-in is crisper and stronger and lateral grip is surprising. These types of demonstrations are incredibly useful. This is the best way to reveal the differences between each type of tire. Once the dealers have done the event, it would probably be a good idea to invite a number of consumers so that they may experience the disparities first hand.