AKRON, Ohio, Nov. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- While much of the country is still enjoying remaining mild temperatures and the final days of a colorful autumn, motorists are reminded that the comfort level of their winter driving may be dependent upon the condition of their vehicle and tires.
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Not only that, but the venerable Farmers' Almanac is predicting a winter with widespread cold and heavy snowfalls in many areas of the U.S.
If such predictions are true -- and the Farmers' Almanac is right about 80 percent of the time -- Goodyear officials said motorists shouldn't wait much longer to enhance their traction on winter roads and highways. It's not too late to consider a set of new tires for the family car or sport-utility.
"The time to prepare your vehicle for winter is during the fall," said Joey Viselli, Goodyear brand director. "Along with the antifreeze, battery check-ups and new wiper blades, an inspection of the tire tread should be a year-round practice, but especially as we prepare for potential slippery road conditions."
Viselli recommends a set of winter tires for motorists in severe winter regions, or at least a strong year-round choice like Goodyear's tires featuring TripleTred Technology. The TripleTred tires -- Assurance for cars and minivans, and Fortera for SUVs -- feature three unique tread zones for superior traction in any kind of weather -- rainy, icy or dry.
An interlocking tread pattern creates an Ice Zone on the TripleTred, which helps translate into more gripping power on icy or snow-covered roads. This zone is enhanced by the use of fiberglass fibers and volcanic sand in the rubber, which help to present microscopic pores that act as traction elements.
Two other tread zones -- a Water Zone and a Dry Zone -- help the TripleTred tires provide users with total confidence to handle various weather conditions. The year-round tires are backed by a 30-day No Obligation Trial Period, roadside assistance program, nationwide warranty service, on-line product registration and tire rotation reminder service.
Viselli reminds motorists that the Almanac's forecast for the 2008-2009 winter calls for a "numbing winter, with below-average temperatures for at least two-thirds of the country. Only the Far West and Southeast will see near-normal temperatures. Precipitation-wise, most of the South, as well as the Midwest, should experience above-normal conditions, according to the Farmers Almanac, while the rest of the nation will average close to normal. With below-normal winter temperatures and an above-normal precipitation forecast, the Great Lakes and Midwest will see above-normal snowfalls, especially during January and February."
The weather formula of the Farmers' Almanac is a closely guarded secret. The predictions are based on a mathematical and astronomical formula that dates back to 1818. According to reports, its famous long-range forecast is accurate between 80 and 85 percent of the time.
For more information about Goodyear TripleTred tires, details about Goodyear, or to find the nearest Goodyear retailer, go to http://www.goodyear.com/.
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