Early Forecast Calls For Extra Snow and A Need For Winter Tires

October 5th, 2003 - Now is the time, Goodyear officials say to start thinking about winter tires. And a new winter tire from Goodyear - the Eagle Ultra Grip GW-3 - is a choice that provides sure grip for high-performance driving in all winter conditions.

If early-season prognostications from Environment Canada ring true, Canadian motorists may be in for an extra-snowy winter. According to the agency's precipitation outlook for the December 2003-February 2004 period, above-normal precipitation is predicted for most parts of Canada. Many motorists discovered during the extra-cold, extra-snowy winter of 2002-2003 that true winter tires can make a positive difference in attaining the necessary traction and grip in adverse conditions.

"Tires play the most important role in determining how a vehicle will handle in an emergency situation," said Gus Liotta, General Manager, Consumer Tire Marketing, Goodyear Canada Inc. "It doesn't matter how many electronic systems you have on your vehicle, such as traction control and anti-lock braking. Traction and grip are generated by making contact with the road, and the only things touching the road are the tires - through those four moving patches of rubber that roll against the road surface."

Goodyear officials say they're ready for an early snowfall. Last year's severe winter in many regions of Canada and the U.S. may have motorists thinking earlier about equipping their vehicles with suitable tread to get them through the elements and where they need to go.

Goodyear's family of Ultra Grip winter tires offers motorists a range of choices for seasonal tires.

The Eagle Ultra Grip GW-3 features Goodyear's innovative V-TRED technology, which aids in dispersing water and slush from the treadface. New 3D-BIS technology provides high tread blade density and additional biting edges while maintaining block stiffness. This translates into increased grip in snow and ice, but with controlled wet and dry steering stability.

A rim flange protector helps to protect expensive custom wheels from potential curb and pothole damage during the winter. The Eagle Ultra Grip GW-3 is available in North America in 21 sizes, ranging from 15- to 18-inch rim diameters, and in aspect ratios from 65 to 35.

More information on Goodyear Ultra Grip winter radials can be found at www.goodyeartires.com.