Triple the traction with Goodyear's wet-weather sport tire.
Written: Nov 05 '05
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Pros: Great handling 3.5 season sport tire, aggressive good looks, exceptional wet weather performance.
Cons: None really, if you need true 'winter' tires look elsewhere.
The Bottom Line: Goodyear has given me Assurance in almost all conditions, something few tires can offer. I recommend it to anyone looking for a strong all-season contender.
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| openroad's Full Review: Goodyear Assurance TripleTred Tire |
----- Good-year for new tires ---
Since I rarely keep the same vehicle more than 2 years, I've had quite a long-term relationship with my local Discount Tire location. As fate (and Goodyear) would have it, almost every used car I purchase has balding tires on it.
Since performance was premium back in 1999, I equipped my old '89 Toyota Supra Turbo with Toyo Proxes T1S tires which had an ultra-aggressive directional tread pattern. Not only did this look great, it stuck like glue (due to the tread compound) and handled excellent in wet and rainy weather.
When I first saw the Goodyear TripleTred in the showroom it reminded me of my old Toyo race tires, which I considered a good thing. My first ownership experience with Goodyear TripleTred tires was on my 1993 Mazda 626 Sedan. I was given this car by a family friend for a winter beater, although it would try to slide off the road in a light rain. After installing four new TripleTred tires my old 626 seemed like a new car!
Jumping to 2005, my Volkswagen Jetta IV, and yet another search for tires. I liked the way the TripleTreds handled on my Mazda, yet I wondered how they would react on a much 'tighter' and stiffer car like the Jetta. After 2,500 miles I feel qualified to give an honest answer. My Jetta is wearing 205/60-15 rubber just for the record.
----- Assurance in all conditions, excellence in most... -----
Dry Traction is quite good for a multi-purpose tire, I've pushed these tires as hard as anyone will, from back-country road blasts to emergency avoidance of deer and other cars. Stopping is always confident and quick with no squealing or chirping at the limit. High speed driving is surprisingly quiet for a tire with this many tread blocks. Handling at high speeds (over 70) is steady and without vibration just like a good sport sedan should be.
Wet Traction is where the TripleTred technology begins to shine. These tires are marketed as descendants of the old Goodyear Aquatred, thankfully the anti-hydroplaning and water dispersion capabilites are still here and even improved. I've been caught in several torrential rains the past few months as the remains of hurricanes Katrina and Rita passed over the Midwest. During these heavy rains my Jetta pushed through the deep road grooves full of water with no problems. Both acceleration and braking were reliable and controlled, especially with the excellent VW ABS.
Snow Traction is where the TripleTred falls a little behind in its do-it-all-well marketing mantra, but it still puts up a good showing. Performance is quite acceptable on the hard-packed traffic slicked snow we often get in Michigan. In freshly fallen snow the TripleTred is a good companion for a FWD car. Accelleration is without drama or spinning as long as you don't get on the throttle too hard. Ice or partially icy roads are where this tread design falls short of a real snow/ice tire. The Nokian Hakkapellita tires I used last winter are what you really need if ice is a problem in your area.
----- Bottom Line -----
I've been completely satisfied with my TripleTred tires and don't hesitate to recommend them. For the average consumer looking for a mildly aggressive all-season sport tire this is the answer. Oh yes, I almost forgot is a good value as well!
Thanks for reading and feel free to comment,
Openroad
This review is part of sleeper54's Lean-n-mean IV Write-Off, take time to check it out and please participate!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 220
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