It’s still 2020; and as we’ve learned, everything is different in 2020. So, we decided to add something unique to our long-term test fleet. A set of winter tires. 

You’ve heard us say before that, while all-wheel-drive is nice; often a good set of winter tires is all you need to get through winter. Goodyear decided to help us out with that claim, and sent us a set of their latest winter tire, the WinterCommand Ultra. A tire designed to be extra pliable in extreme cold, with V-Tread technology for maximum snow and slush evacuation.

They are now installed on our Assistant Producer Rachel’s Hyundai Accent. Stay tuned for updates. 

This is our first long term update on these Goodyear WinterCommand Ultra winter tires, now installed on a front-drive Hyundai Accent. So, let’s go for a first impression; just how do they feel compared to the all-season tires they replace?

Rachel Ederer: "I have never had a daily driver with all-wheel drive. I’ve always had small sedans like my Accent, or larger minivans with front drive only. So when I got picked to test GoodYear’s new winter tires I was really excited. Right out of the gate I could feel that they were squishier than my regular tires but felt sturdier and more grounded. However, they don’t allow my car to accelerate as fast, which is a good thing for winter driving, but the braking is a little bit more aggressive."

As for what makes a winter tire? Generally, their construction stays more pliable in colder temperatures.  For this tire, Goodyear uses a unique Cryo-Adaptive rubber compound. 

Tread patterns are also distinctive, designed to cut through slush and snow, with additional Sipes to keep those elements from building up or packing into the tread blocks. 

Time to say goodbye to 2 members of our long-term test fleet, or 5 depending on how you do the math. First, we bid adieu to our set of Goodyear WinterCommand Ultra winter tires. 

Outfitting one of our staffer’s rides with winter tires was a new experience for our long-term fleet; one that taught us a thing or two, as well as reminded us of the importance of proper cold weather footwear. 

Rachel Ederer: "Over the past couple of months, on several occasions, I’ve said, “But I have winter tires!” in response to any doubt about the road conditions. I’ve driven in rain, slush, snow, and ice. I felt confident parallel parking on a hill in unplowed streets, and driving uphill in 3 inches of snow. The only times I’ve felt slipping was when transitioning between road conditions. For example, a hard left into slush from a clear street, or into a snow filled emergency lane. I have never lost control or hydroplaned, but I've experienced a moment of front-wheel drive slipping before regaining traction. So, if you don’t want to buy an all-wheel drive vehicle, or be stuck at home when the weather gets lousy, these GoodYear tires are a great solution."

Keep in mind, the softer compound of winter tires means more rolling resistance, and ultimately less fuel economy. Rachel saw a drop from 36.6 miles-per-gallon to 34.8 in her Hyundai Accent. Still that was a small price to pay for the peace of mind these Goodyear WinterCommand Ultra winter tires provided.