SANTA ANA, Calif. — Yokohama Tire Corp. has launched two new winter tires: The iceGUARD iG53 for passenger cars and minivans and iceGUARD G075 for crossovers and SUVs.
The iceGUARD iG53 comes in 32 sizes with 14- to 18-inch rim-diameter fitments, while the iceGUARD G075 is is available in 37 sizes fitting rims 16 to 20 inches in diameter.
"Both are premium winter tires that are ideal for the toughest icy conditions," said Bob Abram, Yokohama's senior manager of consumer product planning. "Besides offering exceptional ice/snow traction and all-around performance, the iceGUARD iG53 and iceGUARD G075 feature additional benefits such as improved fuel efficiency, longer tread life and a quiet ride."
The zig-zag tread patterns of the iceGUARD iG53 and iceGUARD G075 are designed to increase the contact area and maximize the edge effect on icy/snow surfaces. Both tires have intermediate grooves, a wide center rib, micro diagonal grooves and 3-D triple sipes.
Additionally, the iceGUARD iG53 is manufactured with Yokohama's new absorptive tread compound, which lowers the risk of micro-hydroplaning on icy surfaces by putting the tire into contact with the ice rather than the water.
The G075, meanwhile, has a high-density reinforced compound, which allows for a more stable tread block that provides optimized road contact and longer, more even wear.
Fuel efficiency gains for both tires come from the newly developed, low-heat generating under tread compound, which increases stiffness and contributes to low rolling resistance, according to the company.