Goodyear Calls for Independent Tyre Wear Tests

Goodyear has warned motorists to consider the ‘whole life’ performance of tyres to ensure they are getting the optimum safety and performance in all weather conditions throughout the life of their tyres. The manufacturer says that the difference in tyre performance when worn is even greater than when new and is lobbying for more independent testing on tyres at various stages of their lives. The timing of Goodyear’s announcement follows claims from Michelin that TUV tests found its new Primacy HP tyres perform 25 per cent better when worn than any other premium product.

In an independent test of new tyres, Goodyear reports that its HydraGrip outperformed Michelin’s Pilot Primacy and Pirelli’s P6 in a 50mph wet emergency stop test. According to the manufacturer the independent test found that the Hydragrip-equipped car came to a standstill three metres earlier than its competitors. The tyre is said to have outperformed the Bridgestone Turanza by as much as 10 metres.

“This equates to over two car lengths stopping distance at just 50mph, so imagine the differences at motorway speeds in the rain. This is an independent test on new tyres, but our figures show that the differences are even greater when the same tyres are compared at 50 per cent tread depth,” stated Ben Crawley of Goodyear.

“Our tests show that a similar performance advantage also applies to our Goodyear Excellence tyre which has achieved a 7 per cent improvement in wet stopping distance when worn compared to tyres such as the Michelin Primacy and Continental PremiumContact, whilst still being capable of achieving higher mileage than its rivals. Currently most independent tyre tests are conducted at maximum tread, but we are hoping that independent tests on worn tyres can be conducted. This will give motorists and fleet operators, who have a health and safety obligation to their drivers, a true picture of tyre performance and durability. Our tests prove that Goodyear HydraGrip and Excellence offer the best combination of safety and durability for drivers and fleet managers alike, and we hope the industry can move towards independent testing on this important safety subject.” added Crawley.