Cheaper at www.TireRack.com. Also available at
Discount Tire Company and JustTires (owned by Goodyear).
Note: I have no connection with these tires or tire sellers,
I just everyone to be as safe as possible. It is also possible that a
better rated tire might become available, and that I will not realize it exists.
Any opinions given are opinions - mine and other peoples -
you may not agree with these opinions. Check out other people's
opinions - don't take my word for it.
The Assurance TripleTred tires are selling at more than 2 1/2
(12/2004) times the expected sales rate (number of tires sold).
They are rated (by owners [TireRack survery]) a '9+' for use on:
2005 2008 (other tires have improved. but TripleTred still the #1 ALL-weather
Rating Rating (rated all-weather in its class)
ICE ? 7.9
SNOW 9.0 8-8.6
WET 9.4 9.2
DRY 9.4 9.3
If you note a competitor's tire, they seldom mention how it handles
on ice (which may not be important to you),
And users report better gas milage (I don't know - they
hold more air pressure, so it could be true).
I got a little over 73,000 on my set of four, but I am
hard on tires (acceleration, cornering, little tire rotation,
and I changed them early.
Watch out - You need the Goodyear Assurance TripleTred,
NOT the Goodyear Assurance ComforTred, which has a
different tread design??? at least I thought so (opinion).
This is what a Goodyear Assurance TripleTred looks like
Even uses fiberglass and volcanic sand for the
ICE portion of the triple tread (middle of the tread).
Actually, they don't mention the volcanic sand anymore,
so perhaps they've stopped using it.
I have a little over 70,000 on my set of four, but I am
hard on tires (acceleration, cornering, little tire rotation.
I now (10/2005) have over 35,000 on my TripleTreds - They still
look and perform as new. Cornering improved dramatically over
the stock tires. I found them to work really well on ice (not
as good as ice tires, or course), snow, rain and dry pavement.
I have driven my CRV in rain coming down over 6 inches/hour -
I was almost the only one not stopped, on intrastate 40, on the way
to Charlotte. I experience no hydroplaning at 50 MPH (kids, don't
try this out home - my wife was terrified).
I (my personal opinion) rate Assurance TripleTred tires a TEN,
as compared to anything I ever used in all conditions.
(from www.goodyear.com": "New For SUVs" - (12/2005)
"Fortera - Fortera featuring TripleTred Technology is setting
a new standard for all-weather traction in North America."
CAREFUL - there are Four types of Fortera Tires - examine the
treads. Click here for more Fortera info
What is the actual construction differences between the Great Assurance TripleTred
and the Assurance ComfortTred tires? I don't know - In my opinion, Goodyear does not
explain the differences.
http://www.goodyearassurance.com/TireRack's Goodyear Assurance TripleTred Page Goodyear Assurance TripleTred Tire - epinions Another owner - winter driving review Goodyear Fortera TripleTred Technology for SUVs and Light Trucks Goodyear Tripletred All-Season light truck tire technology now available on truck and SUV tires NOTE: I saw where Consumer Reports had tested the Tripletred tires and declared them to have a bad performance on ice. IT IS MY PERSONAL BELIEF THAT CONSUMER REPORTS ERRED AND ACTUALLY TESTED THE "ComfortTred" tires - this is my personal opinion only. Having put TripleTreds on both an AWD Honda CR-V and a Pontiac Sunfire, I have personally seen a great improvment in handling in all weather conditions, including ICE. Of course, no all-weather tire will be as good on ice as winter and studded (usually illegal) tires. A user's comments on his Goodyear Fortera TripleTred (NOT the Assurance TripleTred): My 2007 Honda Element EX came with Goodyear Wrangler HP 215/70R16 tires which are a very poor setup on this vehicle. At speeds above 55 mph the vehicle would walk the ridges and expansion joints in the dry roadways and the higher the speed the worse it would became. The final straw was the last few days in wet and rainy conditions after taking several hydroplaning rides a change had to be made. The Honda dealer of course offered no additional assistance other than (normal for this vehicle) After research and reading dozens of reviews/surveys the Goodyear Fortera Triple Tread was chosen for consideration. The same size tire had to used to not adversely affect the Honda warranty. I called several Goodyear stores and finally the 5th one agreed to provide credit for the Wranglers on the Foreras. The tires were changed and immediately driven in 300 miles of wet and heavy rain conditions. The traction, lack of hydroplaning at reasonable speeds, smoother and quieter ride allows this vehicle to perform and handle 300% better. Goodyear ASSURANCE TripleTred - SIZES and SPECIFICATIONS Goodyear FORTUNA TripleTred - SIZES and SPECIFICATIONS