The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice WRT non-studded winter tire was developed using technical solutions tested by North American tire manufacturers several decades ago. And this does not mean that the world-famous manufacturer has nothing new. It's just that those technologies, even today, offer not only high efficiency of tires created on their basis but also ample opportunities for their further improvement.
In the production of Goodyear UltraGrip Ice WRT tires, the proprietary Winter Reactive technology is used, which, due to several features, allows this winter model to have excellent traction and braking characteristics in a wide variety of weather conditions.
In total, ten sets of studded and friction tires competed in the dimension 225/65 R17. The final summary of the experts did not shine with a variety: relatively weak lateral stability on snowy roads, the noise level is above average, the duration of the operation. However, the tire performs surprisingly well on ice.
The directional design of the Goodyear UG Ice WRT tread with wide drainage channels improves grip and traction on wet asphalt. The transverse two-dimensional sipes in the central part of the tread form the multiple cutting edges necessary to enhance contact with the snowy and icy road surface.
The TredLock 3D self-locking shoulder sipes close when cornering, resulting in excellent vehicle maneuverability and driver confidence while driving.
Improved tread compound optimized for winter conditions, the ability to fit studs, and rim protection to limit accidental damage to the rims is designed to increase the appeal of this model.
The unchanged positions in the middle of the final ranking did not negate the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice WRT's luck in the 2014 test. Tenth out of eighteen - this is the latest achievement of the model in the size 265/70 R17 at the moment. Praises again for the tire's high service life and its ability on the ice, a couple of barbs towards average maneuverability on snow. In general, nothing new.
It is also worth noting that the manufacturer has provided two tread patterns for this model: non-studded with an arrow-like central rib (for cars and vehicles with a 4x4 wheel arrangement) and studded with a zigzag central reinforcement rib (for light trucks).
The only edition that has tested Goodyear UltraGrip Ice WRT tires for several years in a row is the Canadian "La Presse". It all started with the 2011 test, in which the expert group placed Goodyear in the sixth (out of eleven) final place. At the same time, she very critically "rode" according to the characteristics of the model: relatively low lateral grip and average noise level. And the Winter Reactive technology needs to be improved. At the same time, high mileage of the model and a fairly effective tread pattern on winter tracks were noted.
3D slats
One of these "old" technologies is 3D-BIS sipes, which are cut into the blocks of the shoulder areas of the tread. They are quite different from their original version, both in the shape of the coupling edges formed by them (they are straight) and in the density of arrangement (it is less). These changes are dictated by the need to increase the rigidity of the shoulder areas of the tread, which has a positive effect on handling. At the same time, the adhesion properties are at a more than acceptable level, due to the considerable length of the sipes.
The choice is clear
The advantage of SoundComfort technology is that the increased comfort level does not lead to a decrease in performance and other characteristics. These tires have the same warranty as standard tires, the tires can be repaired and the performance is just as good - the only difference is that these tires are ... much quieter.
These tires are produced in winter and summer versions.
Special polymers in the rubber compound
The tread of this model is made of a compound optimized for specific operating conditions. These are icy surfaces and snow rolled to a very smooth state. The rubber compound contains not only silica but also special polymer substances. With their help, the tread is given the optimal level of elasticity, which ensures maximum grip on the road.
Main features of Goodyear Ultragrip Ice WRT
- three-dimensional sipes in the shoulder areas shorten the braking distance and increase stability when maneuvering;
- a special polymer in the rubber compound improves grip on ice and snow;
- A swept tread rib in the central part improves steering precision and traction stability at high speed, and also reduces rolling resistance.
Review of the experts:
- On ice and snow, the tire unexpectedly behaved weakly and failed to provide a sufficient level of safety when maneuvering. Good grip on asphalt. Low fuel efficiency.