SUV boom influences tire choice

SUV boom influences tire choice

More and more drivers across Europe are choosing SUVs or crossovers as vehicles that meet their need for more mobility and comfort. There are already three SUVs among the ten best-selling vehicles in Europe. The robust look, elevated driving position, easy entry and better off-road capability make these vehicles the preferred vehicle for families and sports enthusiasts.

With the start of spring, the prospect of outdoor leisure activities increases. From wet grass to muddy ground to gravel paths, outdoor trips require a car that can handle a variety of surfaces. Even if SUV drivers don't expect the extreme off-road performance of an off-road vehicle, they still need the appropriate traction, for example to tow a caravan, horse box or other trailer on various surfaces.

“It can happen that a vehicle is equipped with all-wheel drive, but all four tires spin on wet grass because there is not enough traction,” explains Holger Rehberg, Product Manager Goodyear DACH. Since the tire is the only contact surface between the vehicle and the ground, it is crucial for SUVs to be equipped with tires that are tailored to the needs of their drivers. Goodyear has therefore developed the new EfficientGrip 2 SUV specifically to meet the needs of SUV drivers.

Modern tire technology

Goodyear takes a special approach to the design of SUV tires. SUV tires need to be tougher and more versatile, while still providing the dynamic ride and performance sought after by drivers upgrading from sedans and wagons to an SUV. Holger Rehberg explains the differences between the two tire series EfficientGrip 2 SUV and EfficientGrip Performance 2 for cars: "To ensure off-road versatility, the typically larger dimension of an SUV tire offers more gripping edges. It also has a 33 percent thicker, robust base rubber, which, in combination with a carcass that is twice as strong as car tires, offers the required durability." The stronger sidewall and 35 percent stronger belt material in the construction would not only contribute to durability but also ensure precise steering and dynamics. "This is important for a vehicle that has a higher center of gravity. To handle the additional weight of an SUV, the tires are typically larger and have a larger air volume." 

More mileage

The innovative “Mileage Plus Technology” of the new SUV tire from Goodyear ensures high flexibility of the tread compound and minimizes micro-cracks on rough road surfaces. Compared to its predecessor, the new EfficientGrip 2 SUV offers 25 percent longer mileage. When it comes to braking in wet conditions, it has the EU tire label with the best category A. “Auto Bild allrad” named it the best tire in the current summer tire test after comparing performance on wet and dry roads as well as on sand, gravel, grass and mud. 

Tip:In this video Holger Rehberg from Goodyear explains the advantages of a modern tire for SUVs in a compact and easy-to-understand manner.