But for now, about the tire itself, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice2, which, according to Test World test results, showed quite high results in various tests.
These tires are designed for winter use in countries where studded tires are simply prohibited. Kyiv and the region are an excellent testing ground for this rubber in our conditions.
This tire model is made from a special cryo-adaptive rubber compound. This is necessary to allow the rubber to maintain elasticity at very low temperatures. This ensures the necessary grip on cold, icy, and snowy surfaces.
The UltraGrip Ice 2 has a unique symmetrical tread pattern called Active Grip. This technology, combined with the unique rubber compound, provides effective road grip through the use of unique hybrid drainage grooves that quickly remove water from the contact patch. Thanks to Active Grip, the aquaplaning effect is significantly minimized.
We changed the tires before the frosts arrived, and for the first while we drove on cold but clean and dry asphalt. No particular difference compared to summer tires was noticed, but colleagues noted that the tires are quiet compared to some other winter tires. This is important for those who cover a considerable mileage during the day.
It should also be said that the tire fitter noted the ease of balancing the tires. Very few weights were needed, which indicates the good quality of the tires.
In the future, we will have to test the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice2 on all types of road surfaces, at various temperatures, on ice and snow. But you will learn about this from our reports later, when real winter arrives in Kyiv.
Brief reference:
The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 tire, designed to replace the Goodyear UG Ice+ in the model range, was created for the 2014/2015 winter season. Compared to its predecessor, it has a shorter braking distance on ice and snow, better grip and handling. Over three years of work, Goodyear specialists developed seven prototypes of the Ultra Grip Ice 2 and conducted more than two hundred preliminary tests. The result exceeded all expectations.
In December 2013, at the request of Goodyear Dunlop, the UltraGrip Ice 2 model in size 205/55 R16, along with three leading competitors, was tested by Test World experts. Based on the test results, the testers concluded the following:
• in all conditions, the UG Ice 2 indicators are either at the same level or better than the strongest competitor;
• the Goodyear tire leads in performance on dry and wet roads;
• leads in subjective handling on snow, wet track, and dry asphalt;
• competitive in handling on ice.
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