----------------------------------- Guest Sat Feb 12, 2005 3:26 pm Goodyear Assurance Triple Tred Tires ----------------------------------- Tire Report Goodyear Assurance Triple-Tread Vehicle - 2004 2.5I Subaru Outback Wagon, 5MT Disclaimer: This is a Tire Report, NOT a tire recommendation. After reading many discouraging reports from Subaru Outback owners, and other car owners whose vehicles came equipped with OEM Bridgestone Potenza RE92 tires, I decided, with winter approaching, to buy new tires for my car. Although my tires had only 4500 miles on them, and handled acceptably on dry pavement, I knew about the hydroplaning issues and the feeling that they were dangerous in winter driving (snow and ice) conditions. I am already familiar with Blizzak WS50 tires because I have them on a RWD 6MT, 95 Pontiac Trans Am, and I have other Blizzak studless ice tires on a 92 Ford Explorer, I considered those tires at the top of my list of winter tires. However, because buying tires for the AWD Outback requires 4 tires, and because I did not want to buy 4 new tires and still have to deal with hydroplaning and poor tire wear when summer returned, I also looked for a “better” All Season tire as a possible replacement for the RE92s. I considered the BF Goodrich Traction H tire which got very good reviews for snow traction on the TireRack tire review section. However, I noted that they also had some negative comments, such as “excessive tire cupping” at early mileage, and possibly some alignment issues. I also considered the Turanza and the Michelin tires. However, while reading the survey results, I read several reports of this new Goodyear Triple Tread tire which (on the surface) seemed to be all things to all seasons, and to fill all needs (dry weather, rain, and winter conditions). In addition, it had several unique features: 1) It had a 30 day “trial period”, 2) It had a rebate, making it cheap, and 3) It had an 80,000 mile wear rating (740?). On the down side, they are only “T” speed rated. I decided on the basis of the owner’s reviews, to buy a set. I ordered a set of 4, in size 225X60TR16 from Discount Tire.com (because the TireRack was out of them) for $105ea ($420.00 to my door, with no tax and no shipping they were slightly cheaper than the TireRack at $104ea + shipping), minus the $50.00 rebate. Most people seemed to think they were great in snow, in spite of the fact that there had been little or no snow at that time (I bought mine at Thanksgiving). However, there were a few negative comments that seemed to indicate a possible “tramlining” problem on some cars. Also, some people felt they rode harsher, and some felt they were noisy (and were quicker steering). My experience: I had my tires mounted at a local tire store for $11.00/tire, mounted and balanced (hand torqued). Where my Blizzak tires gave a very “mushy” handling feeling, these Triple Tread tires give a very crisp handling feeling on dry or wet surface roads. I now have 6700 miles, and thus about 2200 miles of mostly winter miles here in the northwest (Washington state). We have had a late winter this year, so I have had no “deep” snow to drive in (yet). However, we had about 2” here in the Tri-Cities, and I have been on two ski trips; one to Mt. Hood and to Mt. Bachelor in Oregon, and one to Schweitzer Resort near Sandpoint, Idaho (I90 has ruts due to studded tire wear). In all cases, I had fresh snow on pavement, fresh snow over ice, and old hardpacked, rutted snow to drive on as well as ice covered parking lots. I can report that I have had absolutely NO problems whatsoever. The tires are quieter on most surfaces than the Bridgestones (however, some rough pavement results in high relative noise levels). The tires provide very quick steering, and high levels of lateral acceleration (grip) wet or dry. When they reach their limits, they provide a very gradual breakaway. My car has only 165HP, so I can’t induce “power oversteer” in wet or dry conditions, however, on snow or ice, my limited slip differential can provide power oversteer (steering with the throttle) in 1st and 2nd gear, in spite of the AWD. At higher speeds and in higher gears, the limit usually results in understeer (the front end pushes). This is easily modulated by easing the throttle, resulting in the rear wheels following the front wheels (neutral steering). The tires are completely free from wander, tramlining and instability at ANY speed, and provide a feel of confidence in all weather. I have not had deep water to try them for hydroplaning, however, I can report that in inches of “slush” they provide adequate steering feel. In fact, the sole caveat that I can think of to pass on to prospective buyers is that they do not turn well on snow or ice.....that is they don’t turn AS well as studless ice tires. Therefore, (particularly on downhill turns) get all of your speed modulation (acceleration or braking) done in a straight line, and THEN begin turning from a safe speed. The rule should be “In slow, Out fast”. These tires provide outstanding grip on most any surface, including backing uphill out of an ice covered parking spot, and a standing start on ice. TURNING on ice should be approached the same way as WALKING on ice (and at the same speed). I have not yet had a chance to test the wear factor (obviously) but will be happy if I get half of the promised 80,000 miles. I like these tires. However, consider your vehicle and tire manufacture’s directions prior to deciding on a replacement tire.