Goodyear Ducaro GA
Tyre engineers usually have a harder time developing tyres for the mass market than for racing applications, unusual as that may sound. For racing purposes, the requirements are specific and wear is not a major issue but for street tyres, there needs to be a good balance between tread life, comfort, noise and grip – and of course, cost.
These are conflicting requirements in some respects as a tyre which sticks to the road well usually has a softer compound which does not resist wear well. Likewise, a low-noise tyre may not have a tread pattern that is attractive enough because much of the noise usually comes from the grooves.
So is it impossible to produce a tyre that can offer everything a motorist wants? Not to Goodyear, which has come out with the new Ducaro GA that it claims is responsive, quiet and stylish.
This new tyre, expected to become the tyremaker’s largest volume-seller in Asia in coming years, employs a technology-based state-of-the-art design system and many elements of Goodyear’s Trinuum Tyre Technology.
A key feature is the Bubble-Blade II system claimed to enhance the tyre’s performance (up to 10% better handling on wet and dry roads) in many ways. The system is a dynamic one whereby the tread elements open at the point of contact with the road, providing better traction during acceleration. However, they close up when not under pressure, reducing the noise which is generated by soundwaves that usually resonate inside the channels.
There are also other features in the Ducaro GA which are the result of Goodyear research over the decades at its research centres in Europe, Japan and the USA.
These features include a double sequencing tread that operates at individual rates to ensure quiet performance and working in conjunction with a unique decoupling groove, footprint pressure is balanced for even wear, better mileage and less noise. A computer-optimized tyre cavity also increases tyre-to-road contact for surer handling and comfort.
Grip on wet roads is also enhanced by having more edges to create more friction or ‘bite’ on the road and of course, deep open grooves evacuate water quickly from under the tyre to prevent aquaplaning. Transverse shoulder grooves also have the same function, allowing water to be pumped out at high speeds, keeping the rubber in firm contact with the road for maximum grip.
To ensure that response to steering inputs is sharp, there are continuous centre ribs which keep a constant contact with the road, further optimized by a 4-rib design.
This highly versatile Goodyear tyre is said to be ideal for small and medium-sized cars and is presently available in 13, 14 and 15-inch sizes with widths ranging from 175/70R13H to 205/60R15H.
So confident is Goodyear Malaysia in the new Ducaro GA that it offers a ‘Risk-Free Trial’ when a motorist buys and installs four of these tyres. The trial period is for two weeks from the purchase date or a maximum of 500 kms, whichever comes first.
If a motorist is not convinced of the superiority of the Ducaro GA, then he or she can have the tyres replaced by another set of comparable Goodyear tyres. There are certain conditions applicable to the special offer and details can be obtained from any Goodyear tyre dealer throughout Malaysia.
