Retiring your SUV?
New Yokohama Tire technology in Geolandar GO56 H/T provides a better way
Obviously, not all tires are created equally, they differ in a variety of ways ? size, tread, compound, profile and brand. Different compounds, tread patterns and designs serve a myriad of both specific and varying driving conditions and scenarios, which can affect vehicle handling and performance as well as the life of the tire itself. Enter the Yokohama Tire – Geolandar GO56 H/T.
The load that tires are required to carry tend to be a major factor in their production. Sports cars are lighter in weight, most sedans tend to weigh more, and Trucks and SUVs generally rate as the heaviest of vehicles. I personally have vehicles that fit into all of these categories, but the vehicle that?s the current, primary focus of attention is a 1997 GMC Suburban ? clearly on the high side of the weight scale (no pun intended). The Suburban runs fairly well, but is in need of a new paint job, as the clear coat has succumbed to the wrath of the elements, since it resides outdoors. It also needs new brakes, some interior detailing and most of all it was in need of new shoes or tires.
The ?Burb? doesn?t see a lot action lately, having been retired from extensive dog show duty. As a result, it?s non-activity contributed to accelerated tire deterioration ? as in cracked and weakened sidewalls. Not a good thing, and a major contributor to blowouts, making driving unsafe. So, it was decided, despite the low miles for its age (62,225 miles), to begin by having the old horse reshod. Considerable research was done on existing available SUV specific and capable rubber before choosing what would best serve our purposes.
The Yokohama Tire Geolandar H/T GO56 108T was selected for the purpose of a long-term test of durability and service. It is a tubeless steel belted radial tire rated for heavy loads, and It represents the next generation tire from one of the Yokohama Tire Corporation?s most prominent lines.
The GEOLANDAR H/T G056? is the latest product to integrate the tire maker?s advanced technology that features an innovative compound that provides longer tread life as well as delivering all-season traction. It is available in a wide range of sizes (38 to be specific) and in 15-20 inch diameters in both P-metric and LT-metric offerings, capable of fitting a variety of today?s most popular light trucks and SUVs.?? ?Thanks to its completely new design, which includes Yokohama?s own orange oil compound technology, the GEOLANDAR H/T G056 is made to stay on the road thousands of miles longer and provide exceptional all-weather handling,? stated Andrew Briggs, Yokohama director, marketing and product planning. The GEOLANDAR H/T G056 is able to outlast conventional highway terrain tires without sacrificing its all-season capabilities, and it features a 70,000-mile limited tread wear warranty on P-metric sizes and 50,000 miles on LT-metric sizes.
Other highlights of the GEOLANDAR H/T G056 include: ?? Triple 3D sipes that help stabilize tread blocks minimizing uneven wear and providing biting edges for enhanced traction throughout the life of the tire; Multi-angle grooves and zigzag circumferential grooves that work in tandem to provide improved handling in wet and wintry conditions; An optimized contact patch that contributes to better mileage by equalizing pressure distribution where the tread contacts the road for long, even wear; Adaptive shoulder blocks form a continuous outer rib that reduces noise throughout the life of the tire.
The Yokohama Tire Corporation allows for a limited number of test applications and I was fortunate enough to be included to receive a set of Yokohama Geolandar H/T GO56 (part number 05604) for the purpose of a performance evaluation and long-term test. Retail pricing can vary from dealer to dealer, but the collective price for the set of four was $452.00 which did not include dismounting the old Suburban tires and mounting and balancing the set of Geolandars.
Toscalito Automotive, a local automotive repair shop and tire dealer was chosen to complete the task for what seemed a reasonable rate of $140.10 which included the disposal of the old worn and decayed tires, new valve stems, etc.
First came the “off with the old” operation, wherein the old tires had to be removed from the alloy wheels.
Next came mounting the new Yokohama tires which happened to be Raised Outline White Letter on one side and Raised Black Letter on the other. We opted for the raised white lettering to be mounted to the inside, with the black letter side exposed, making for easier maintenance and detailing.
Mounting the new rubber to the wheels was followed by balancing each, and then remounting the wheels to the vehicle and cleaning them up.
The operation took place on Tuesday, March 23, 2015 and a noticeable difference was realized immediately in the ride quality, handling and minimized road noise . Next will come the new brakes and a new paint job. We will report on the tire wear and longevity at regular intervals in the future.
A note of interest – Yokohama Tire is bringing back their ?Spring Getaway? Promotion, wherein Consumers receive a $60 Visa? prepaid gift card with the purchase of four Yokohama tires through April 30, 2015.
Yokohama Tire Corporation is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., a global manufacturing and sales company of tires since 1917. Servicing an extensive sales network throughout the U.S., Yokohama Tire Corporation is a leader in technology and innovation. The company?s complete product line includes tires for high-performance, light truck, passenger car, commercial truck and bus, and off-the-road mining and construction applications. For more information on Yokohama?s product line, visit www.yokohamatire.com.
Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles as well.
