Perry Mack
It’s easy to focus on the rig but we knew we needed new shoes for the towed.
Words and photos by Perry Mack
In January we became the proud new automotive parents of a 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk (cue crowd cheering SFX). However, we weren’t looking for another off-road SUV. Our stable of 4x4’s already included a Chevy 3500 diesel pickup sporting Amp All Terrain tires, and a lifted Toyota FJ40 Landcruiser with 35” Falken Wildtrak A/T’s. Our Trailhawk had a different purpose.
We needed a Toad. Also, more accurately spelled towed. The Cherokee Trailhawk is uniquely suited to following behind a motorcoach as one of its design features includes programming for flat towing. Our Trailhawk came with the Firestone Destination A/T, a decent all weather tire that leans towards off-road use. However, the sacrifice designers make with off-road designs is increased NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) and more importantly, decreased dry, wet and snow performance. A/T tires typically have the 3 peak mountain snowflake rating for winter weather, which means they are competent in snow, they’re just not brilliant. As such, it means you also have to own a set of dedicated winter tires for good to great winter performance.
Perry Mack
The WeatherReady2 promised long life and no tire changes required.
As snowbirds, we want great 3 peak performance snow rated tires for October to December, and April. Tire changes and a dedicated set of snow tires doesn’t make financial sense. We want one quiet, safe, performance tire for 12 months without the expense and hassle of owning two sets of tires and making tire changes.
Did we make the right choice in choosing the WeatherReady 2 as an upgrade for an off-road capable SUV, that will primarily be used on paved and gravel roads, in all weather conditions from harsh snow-covered Canadian winters to torrential Westcoast rains and dusty Mexican byways?
Perry Mack
The tire graphics say it all. It is designed to perform in sun, rain and snow.
This is what Goodyear has to say:
- All-Weather Technology features a specialized tread compound to help the tread stay adaptable in all seasons and achieve severe snow designation.
- AquaTred® Technology features an enhanced tread pattern with sweeping grooves to help move out water and slush for better handling and performance.
- Evolving Traction™ Grooves help displace water on the road for the life of the tire, maintaining grip.
- Unique comfort inserts reduce bumps and vibrations while enhancing steering control for smooth transitions when changing lanes.
- You can continuously check tire tread depth with the built-in Wear Gauge® over the course of the 95,000 kilometer (60,000 mile) tread life limited warranty.
- Tires are designed for use in severe snow conditions and meet specific snow performance test requirements.
What we can see is a directional tire tread design. This format is superior for wet and snow traction. It is more efficient in keeping rubber on the road, evacuating water to help prevent hydroplaning. We can see the tread pattern has a large number of multi-angle sipes, which trap snow for snow-on-snow traction to grip the road surface.
Perry Mack
The key feature over A/T tires is the directional tread pattern, providing exceptional performance on wet, slushy and snow covered pavement.
British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley can experience four season weather in the same day, as the spring months can include dry valley pavement but as we climb into the mountains the road becomes wet from runoff and rain, turning to snow as we reach the altitude of ski resorts.
On the road, we could immediately hear that the tires had a quieter ride over the off-road oriented Destination A/T tires. This is important to us. Comfort is key since our Trailhawk does double duty as a daily commuter and international travel companion. Hard cornering and braking on the dry pavement felt much more confident, so naturally we pushed the vehicle harder. We’ve always felt it’s important to safely test a vehicle before we’re forced to find its limits in order to avoid an accident. Like the lottery corporation says, know your limit and play within it.
Perry Mack
Driving is believing, but seeing also helps. The tire fires water away from the pavement to reduce the risk of hydroplaning.
Wet performance inspired confidence, not concern, noticeably better than all-terrain tires. Another benefit to the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady2 is the longer tread life warranty of 95,000 kilometres (60,000 miles) compared to many competitors. Snow traction is often achieved through the use of softer tread compounds, which help the tire stick to the road but wear out more quickly making them a more expensive option. Goodyear credits their soybean oil tread cap for keeping the tire pliable enough to give great traction through a range of temperatures, but still tough enough to live a longer life.
Unfortunately, the rainy weather this spring melted snow faster than usual and the snow had disappeared before we could snow-test the tires for this article. Watch for our long term update when we comment on the durability as well as winter traction.
Perry Mack
The day dawns ready for another travel adventure.
Our conclusion? Does it perform in mud and dirt like an off-road oriented all terrain tire? No. But if you demand that your 4x4 or AWD vehicle has a quiet, safe and civilized behaviour on-pavement, with the occasional adventurous foray off-pavement, then the Assurance WeatherReady 2 is an excellent performer for daily commuting, and the one to take with you on your travel adventures.
For more info, including finding a tire fitment for your vehicle, visit https://www.goodyear.com/en_US/weatherready2.html.
Also search goodyear.com for warranty details including their 60-day satisfaction guarantee.