The Seasons Have Changed But Many Canadians Have Not, Reveals a New Goodyear Survey

- Canadians Worried About Worsening Roads, Sudden Downpours and High Winds

- With the winter tire changeover expected to be completed by the end of May, two in five Canadians have not yet changed their tires from Winter to all-season tires

- Waiting to change from Winter tires could be counterproductive

TORONTO, May 17, 2012 /CNW/ - While most Canadian drivers (82 per cent) understand that their tires have the greatest impact on the overall traction and handling of their cars this Spring, a new poll by Goodyear Canada reveals that two in five (40 per cent) have not yet completed their tire changeover for summer. With two in four (44 per cent) believing that road conditions near them are worse today than in the past, and nearly two thirds (71 per cent) citing sudden downpours and high winds as the most challenging weather to drive in, traction, handling and performance are more important than ever this Spring.

"Spring temperatures and conditions are very erratic," said Gus Liotta, GM at Goodyear Canada. "Winter tires are designed for traction in cold conditions, so it's time to changeover once the temperatures begin to consistently remain above 7C. Goodyear offers a wide range of tires for confident driving in warmer weather where rain and wet driving conditions are a factor. The Eagle GT and two new Eagle products just released, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2, which offers an ultra-high-performance driving experience and the Eagle F1 Asymmetric All-Season, which offers an ultra-high-performance driving experience coupled with all-season traction, are tires to consider when looking for performance and handling."

Keeping them on too long?
The survey, completed by Harris Decima, also finds that nearly one third of Canadians never change their tires as they either keep their winter tires on all year (12 per cent) or don't use winter tires at all (18 per cent). Keeping winter tires on too long may lead to drivers damaging their tire investments because they are specifically designed with tread compounds that stay pliable and provide better traction in colder temperatures and are therefore susceptible to faster wear in warmer weather.

Weather the greatest challenge
Additional results from the survey reveal that Canadian drivers feel seasonal weather conditions create the greatest challenges to their daily commutes. Statistics vary regionally – respondents from British Columbia (66 per cent) list sudden downpours as their most challenging driving conditions vs. drivers in Quebec, Ontario and the Prairies (42 per cent) who feel thunderstorms are more of a problem.

"The combination of challenging weather and unknown road conditions requires drivers to have the right mindset and right equipment for safety on the road," added Liotta.

Goodyear's Spring driving tips:

• Wear the right shoes
  Resist the urge to "keep wearing" your winter tires as the seasons change. Winter tires are specifically designed to stay pliable and provide better traction in colder temperatures – but these winter compounds are susceptible to faster wear in year-round use. Protect the investment you've made in winter tires by using them only in the winter.
• Drive the conditions
  Despite the traction and handling provided by performance tires in dry and wet conditions, motorists should continue to take a defensive, careful approach to driving, especially as winter-damaged roadways can suddenly reveal hazards such as potholes.
• Get your money's worth
  You make a significant financial investment for your vehicle's safety and performance features; from four wheel drive, to traction control and sport suspension, but your tires are the primary components translating those benefits to the road. Advances in tire technology are helping deliver a new generation of tires that offer superior traction and handling. When looking for tires that offer the safety and performance you need, consider a set from the Eagle family of tires that Goodyear offers.
  • Goodyear Eagle GT: This tire's design features include dual zone asymmetric tread with an outboard High Performance Zone to aid grip and responsive handling, and an All Season Zone on the inboard side for all-season traction to provide confident handling in challenging road or weather conditions.
  • Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2: This tire offers an exceptional ultra-high-performance driving experience.
  • Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric All-Season: This just released tire offers ultra-high-performance handling and all-season traction.
• Watch for inflation: As temperatures change, so does tire pressure. Proper tire inflation is essential for increased automotive safety, optimum driving performance and significant cost savings, including better fuel economy. Tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer recommendations printed on the vehicle door placard or in the glove box and should be checked monthly.

For more information on Goodyear Eagle tires visit: www.goodyear.ca.

About Goodyear Canada
Goodyear Canada Inc. is a leading manufacturer of tires for automotive and commercial/industrial markets. The company has operations and offices in Ontario, Quebec and Alberta, in addition to a national network of committed independent retailers. Goodyear Canada is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company of Akron, Ohio.

The Goodyear Poll was conducted from April 4th through April 9th, 2012 using teleVox, Harris/Decima's telephone omnibus. A total of 1000 Canadians were surveyed. Results for the full sample are considered accurate +/- 3.1per cent, 19 times out of 20.

SOURCE Goodyear Canada Inc.

Julie Thomson, [phone], [email protected]

http://www.goodyear.ca