FINDLAY, Ohio — American Tire Distributors Inc.'s Hercules Tires business is launching a studdable winter tire, the Avalanche RT, to replace the Avalanche X-Treme.
The Avalanche RT features Hercules' "Snow Grip" technology, a collection of design features comprising a "dynamic" cold-weather compound, a multi-pitched directional tread pattern with 60-percent more sipes than the X-treme and small ribs in the buttress that bite into deep snow and slush.
The Avalanche RT is marked with the industry's three-peak mountain snowflake designating winter performance and will be available in 41 sizes in 14- to 18-inch rim diameters, ranging from 175/65R14 to 235/55R18, Hercules said.
The new tire cuts stopping distance on snow by 10 feet and on ice by seven feet versus the tire it's replacing, according to Steven Liu, senior director proprietary brands.
Hercules is backing the Avalanche RT with its "Performance Promise" that includes road-hazard protection, a 30-day "Trust our Ride" satisfaction trial and workmanship and materials coverage. Pricing information was not disclosed.
Hercules also did not disclose the product's manufacturer or country of origin.
Hercules also offers X-Treme winter tires for SUVs and light trucks.