Goodyear launches new Assurance TripleMax tyre
Goodyear Malaysia has officially launched the new Assurance TripleMax promising improved grip, durability, and fuel savings over its predecessor tyre. Available in sizes between 15″ and 17″, the TripleMax replaces the previous Assurance FuelMax tyre, and assuming the of Goodyear’s mid-range tyre sitting in between the entry-level Duraplus and the performance-oriented Eagle F1 series.
A key innovation in the TripleMax is HydroGrip technology, which consists of three interconnecting elements, each contributing to improved grip especially on wet surfaces and under braking. In laymen terms, the TripleMax’s tread compound is of a grippier variety, and it is able to spread its contact patch wider over the road, resulting in a two-pronged increase in overall grip – grippier compound plus bigger contact area.
According to Goodyear, these enhanced properties of the TripleMax help improve wet grip and reduce braking distances. The company’s internal testing against two unnamed rival tyres measured a two-metre reduction in the braking distance required to slow a Toyota Auris shod in 205/55 R16 tyres from 80 to 20kph.
Besides providing better grip, the functionalized polymer tread compound of the TripleMax also serves to provide lower running temperatures, thus contributing to reduced tyre rolling resistance. Additionally, the tyre’s increased its contact patch help create a more even distribution of pressure, which in turn reduces rolling resistance even further, leading to an overall improvement in fuel consumption.
Completing the three-pronged improvement of the TripleMax are Goodyear’s efforts to improve the tyre’s durability and robustness, making it more resilient against road hazards. The sidewalls feature two-ply construction and internal component stresses are kept at a minimum. The carcass is reinforced with Kevlar, which as we all know forms the basis of bulletproof vests.
To demonstrate its confidence in the TripleMax’s added ruggedness, Goodyear Malaysia has also introduced the ‘Worry Free Assurance’ programme that offers free or discounted tyre replacements caused by road damages in the first six months after the tyre is purchased subject to the tyre’s treadwear at the time of claim. The programme is valid for all TripleMax tyres purchased between 1 October and 31 December 2013 nationwide.
Designed to cater for mid-range vehicles, the Goodyear Assurance TripleMax is currently offered to Malaysians in ten sizes ranging from 15 to 17 inches:
– 185/60 R15 84H
– 195/50 R15 82V
– 195/55 R15 85V
– 195/60 R15 88V
– 205/65 R15 94V
– 195/50 R16 84V
– 205/60 R16 92V
– 205/55 R16 91V
– 215/60 R16 95V
– 225/55 R17 97V
Picture: Official Goodyear release
