SANTA ANA, Calif.—Yokohama Tire Corp. has launched two new winter tires: The iceGuard iG53 and iceGuard G075.
The iceGuard iG53 is designed for passenger cars and minivans and comes in 32 sizes with 14- to 18-inch diameter rim fitments.
The iceGuard G075 is for crossovers and SUVs and is available in 37 sizes, fitting rims 16- to 20-inch 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.