volume 6 / Number 5 / SEPTEMBER 2009 / $ 4, Winter Tires Special Edition PM

Transcription

1 volume 6 / Number 5 / SEPTEMBER 2009 / $ 4,95 PM Winter Tires Special Edition

2 FOR DEMANDING WEATHER CONDITIONS When you re seeking versatility and flexibility, the choice is clear: the Falken HS439 Eurowinter. Available in 39 sizes, from 13 to 19 diameters for today s most popular import and domestic coupes, sedans and wagons, the HS439 offers superior tread life and performance across multiple temperature ranges. HS439 also delivers traction consistency, biting through snow and ice, and maintaining excellent stability in dry conditions. It s the all-weather performer for all kinds of purposes. TIRE Valley Blvd. / Fontana, CA / Tel: Fax:

3 Contents September 2009 features COVER STORY Editorial Safety First Winter Tires Hot Products! 6 Major Involvement Continental Tire Is More Than Ready to Tackle Winter 8 The Stars of New Tires for the Upcoming Winter 24 Electronic Stability Control Tires and Electronics 26 Winter Wheels An Important Accessory Calendar October 2009 October 9 AIA BC div. Annual Charity Golf Tournament Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club, Coquitlam, BC H Wayne Jangula H wayne.jangula@telus.net H October Équip Auto 2009 Parc d expositions, Paris-Nord, France H November 2009 November 3-5 AAPEX Show 2009 Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas, NV H November 3-6 SEMA Show Las Vegas Convention, Center, Las Vegas, NV H November 3 AIA Canada Canada Night 2009 Ceasers Palace, Las Vegas, NV H Thérèse Santostefano , ext. 225 H therese.santostefano@aiacanada.com H ADvertisers Atlas Tire Wholesale 13, 21 autosphere.ca 29 Be Car Care Aware 23 Bridgestone 11 Continental Tire 6, 7 Duret & Landry 25 Falken Tire 2 Fountain Tire 22 General Tire 19 Kumho Tires 17 Macpek 26, 27 Michelin 32 O.K. Tire 29 Odessa Canada 31 Pirelli 15 Quality Chain 30 TIREMAX 5 Vredestein September 2009 Tire News 3

4 editorial Safety First At first blush, the idea that your customers lives are in your hands may seem like a bit of an exaggeration. But think about it, and you ll see that your role has more of an impact on the health and safety of your customers than you might realize. You may see yourself as a merchant of tires someone who simply recommends tires and installs them, perhaps adding auxiliary products and services into the mix to increase profit and accommodate the needs of your customers. But if you or your staff were to neglect this simple service, your customers might find themselves in a precarious situation. Something as simple as recommending tires that aren t right for the vehicles/driver, or allowing customers to skimp on a tire purchase just to save a few bucks knowing full well that doing so would risk their safety, as well as that of other drivers and their passengers could lead to disaster. Don t want to spend money on four winter tires? you might say to a budget-minded client in order to sell at least two tires. No problem! We ll just put two spanking new winter tires on the front wheels and leave the Baldinis on the back... just as you requested, Mr. Customer. 4 Tire News September But these words would never pass through your lips, because as a responsible tire dealer, you know full well that it s your job to teach and educate your customers, keep them safe, and make the roads and highways safer for all. But are all your employees just as concerned about safety as you are? Education The key to keeping your entire staff on the same page is providing them with the training they need in order to understand and recommend the proper products and services, and to install/ service the recommended products properly. Your employees should know the importance of TPMS and the laws that govern its use. They should be able to explain to a customer that balancing tires and adjusting the alignment are not extra expenses they re essential services needed to keep the car functioning properly in emergency situations and challenging road conditions. The idea that recommending an auxiliary product or a service to a customer might jeopardise the sale should not even cross your employees minds. If a given product or service is necessary in order to keep the car working properly (read: running safely), then your people should have the technical know-how and the sales skills to explain the reasons why your customer should spend the extra money to do the job right. In the end, it s all about safety. Your shop is part of an essential chain of products and services that keep our roads safe. Are your employees conscious of their critical role, and are they properly trained to care for it responsibly? This special issue of Tire News, dedicated to winter tires, was planned and written with you and your staff in mind. We hope you will take advantage of the information we have compiled and use it to educate yourself, your staff, and your customers. For more great management and tire advice, please visit us at Rémy L. Rousseau remyrousseau@p-rousseau.com Publisher Rémy L. Rousseau Contributing Editors Éric Descarries, Glen Nicholson Copy Editor Shirley Brown sgbrown@xplornet.com Production Olivier Rhême production@optikdesign.ca Valérie St-Cyr vstcyr@p-rousseau.com Circulation Manager Nancy Belleville nbelleville@p-rousseau.com Administration Wendy Allain wallain@p-rousseau.com Marie-Hélène Côté mhcote@p-rousseau.com Advertising Nathalie Plouffe tirenews@rogers.com Luc Champagne lucchampagne13@videotron.ca Réjean A. Rousseau r.a.rousseau@videotron.ca Subscription 1 year: $ years: $ years: $49.95 Published by Publications Rousseau 2938, terrasse Abénaquis Longueuil QC, J4M 2B3 T: F: admin@p-rousseau.com Tire News Magazine is dedicated to serving the business interests of the Canadian tire industry. It is published seven times a year by Publications Rousseau & Associés Inc., a member of AIA Canada. Material in Tire News Magazine may not be reproduced in any form without written consent from the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising and disclaims all responsibilities for claims or statements made by its advertisers or independent columnists. All facts, opinions and statements appearing within this publication are those of the writers and editors themselves, and are in no way to be construed as statements, positions or endorsements by Publications Rousseau & Associés Inc. Publications Mail Agreement Return undelivrable Canadian addresses to Publications Rousseau / Circulation Department, 2938 terrasse Abenaquis, suite 110, Longueuil, QC J4M 2B3 ISSN PRINTED IN CANADA

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6 SPECIAL WINTER TIRES EDITION ADVERTORIAL Major Involvement Continental Tire Is More Than Ready to Tackle Winter If there is a tire manufacturer who is more present than ever on the North American market, it has to be German tire maker Continental. Already one of the biggest brands in Europe, Continental, a brand that was already on our market but in a more discrete way in the past, started offering more and more interesting products not only as replacement parts, but also as original equipment. No w a d a y s, y o u c a n s e e t h e Continental name on many tires mounted from the assembly line on new cars. So, timing was perfect for Continental to start hitting the winter tire market. Mind you, once again, Continental already had great winter tires but when the manufacturer thought of producing one of the most spectacular line of performance tires, it also thought not only of adding all-season products, but also winter products. That is why the ExtremeContact line of Continental tires includes a Winter version. A very specialized tire The ExtremeWinterContact was unveiled last fall at the SEMA show at the same time as the two other ExtremeContact products. For most people in North America, including some parts of Canada, the ExtremeContact DWS all-season product might do the job. But for those living in the Snow Belt or for all of us living in an area where the temperature falls below 7ºC (Continental calls it The Winter Tire Belt), the ExtremeWinterContact is a better solution since it has been developed and engineered with an advanced tread compound and structured siping to really improve ice and snow traction. Tire News had the opportunity to try out the ExtremeWinterContact tire in an advance presentation in Montana last February. The better part of the testing was done on different types of snow covered grounds driving mostly rear-wheel drive Mustangs and BMWs and, of all things, Dodge Ram pick-up trucks. Yes, because the high performance ExtremeWinterContact tire comes in more than 50 sizes for 13-inch to 17- inch wheels including a few LT fitments, a first for the German manufacturer. The ExtremeWinterContact surprised everyone by its great traction capabilities, especially with those rear-wheel drive cars! What s more, the same tire in its LT version even enabled a pick-up truck to accelerate on a slightly iced hill even in two-wheel drive! Such a tire is not only made for driving on snow. It is also designed to perform very well on wet pavement and ice while still helping to deliver good fuel economy, extended wear, and ride comfort. A fast look at the tire will show some of its physical features including elevated lateral grooves for improved dry handling, and inclined longitudinal grooves for better driving force for traction and braking on snow. Add to Continental had organized special events when it introduced its ExtremeWinterContact in Montana. 6 Tire News September Continental ExtremeWinterContact

7 Éric Descarries Rear-wheel driven BMWs were used in Montana to test the ExtremeWinterContact. Continental also produces an ExtremeWinterContact for bigger pick-ups. The ExtremeWinterContact worked wonders on Mustangs. Photos: Éric Descarries that multiple gripping edges once again for snow and a high-flexible tread compound with high sipe (those are the fine cuts in the blocks) density to reduce braking distance on wet pavement and ice. And other products The new ExtremeWinterContact tire is the most spectacular news from Continental this winter, but remember that this manufacturer also offers other interesting and great performing winter tires, including the ContiWinterContact TS 810 available for 15-inch to 19-inch wheels in the 60 to 30 aspect ratios and asymmetrical tread pattern, and its sporty version, the TS 810S, another performance tire with asymmetrical tread design, this time aimed at sportier cars with 16-inch to 19-inch wheels and 55 to 30 aspect ratio. Finally, it would be difficult to ignore Continental s ContiCrossContact Winter tire, a product dedicated to fast but heavy all-wheel drive vehicles, mostly SUVs. This legendary product is available for 15-inch to 21-inch wheels with aspect ratios of 85 to 35. General Tire is also part of the game Indeed, in case you didn t know, General Tire is part of the family of excellent Continental products and this brand comes with a specific winter tire line, the AltiMAX Arctic. This very recent tire is available in a big range of sizes for wheels from 13 to 17 inches in diameter and with aspect ratios ranging from 70 to 45. That, according to Continental, is enough to cover more than 70% of the Canadian market including the studdable winter tire market. Tire News had the opportunity to successfully try out the tire on a Honda Accord for the last two winters and on another Dodge Ram pick-up at the Montana testing grounds where it proved to be very efficient on snow and ice. The General AltiMAX Arctic helped our Ram pick-ups go through snow with ease. The General AltiMAX Arctic was surprising on the Ram pick-ups. General AltiMAX Arctic September 2009 Tire News 7

8 SPECIAL WINTER TIRES EDITION Éric Descarries The Stars of New Tires for the Upcoming Winter Safety has grown into a very big concern within the automotive industry in the last few years. Most new cars now have traction control, stability control, anti-locking brakes, even collision warnings combined with air bags all around to protect the passengers. But all those items will be rendered useless if the vehicle is not equipped with the best tires on the market. In many cases, most motorists think that all-season tires should do the job all year round. But winter is a very hard season to deal with. Tests have proven time and again that a proper winter tire is the best equipment needed to cope with cold, icy, or snowy roads. Still, technology never stops trying to find the perfect winter tire. That is why year after year, though we thought that perfect tire had been invented, manufacturers come up with innovative concepts all adapted to most motorists budgets. Let s look at what s new for the upcoming season. Blizzak DM-V1 Japanese manufacturer Bridgestone is replacing its popular DM-Z3 SUV and CUV winter tire for the coming season with a new product called the DM-V1. Thanks to NanoPro-Tech rubber compound, snow and ice performance is improved. It also uses the brand s Multicell Compound to remove that thin layer of water to improve grip on ice. The new DM-V1 will be recognizable by its centre Multi-Z pattern for snow and ice traction that improves drainage and increases biting edges. Finally, its 3-D Sipes enhance dry performance still keeping snow, ice and wet traction. The Blizzak DM-V1 is available in 46 R-speed rated sizes. Blizzak LM-60 and LM-60 RFT Bidgestone is replacing its LM-18, LM- 22, and LM-25 winter tires with a new directional Lamellen winter tire specially developed for premium vehicle owners the H-speed rated LM-60. Bridgestone says it has improved snow performance over the LM-25 and its continuous lug enhances snow traction and water evacuation. Zig-zag sipes come in for better snow and ice traction thanks to the increased number of biting edges. The circumferential grooves help channel water out of the footprint so there is almost no risk of hydroplaning. The LM-60 is available in 34 H-speed rated sizes and 5 H-speed rated RFT sizes. Graspic DS-3 Dunlop is a well known division of the Goodyear family. One of its winter tire line-ups is known as the Graspic and Dunlop has a brand new version of this series to offer in The DS-3 is a studless tire designed for better traction in winter conditions. It features a premium silica-based glass fibre tread, an optimized footprint pressure distribution thanks to Digital Rolling Simulation II Technology for enhanced grip and treadlife. Dunlop also insists on the DS-3 s optimized tread pattern stiffness for better handling and enhanced steering feel on dry pavement. The Miura-shaped siping stiffens the tread blocks for even tread wear. 8 Tire News September

9 Eurowinter HS439 Falken is better known for its performance summer tires. But this year, the Japanese manufacturer (part of the Sumitomo Rubber Industries Group) has decided to tackle winter roads with a product that was first introduced at the SEMA show last fall the Eurowinter HS439. Falken has kept its high-performance identity with this new product but it has also included some of the most important winter characteristics to the HS439: a new silica compound for tread flexibility in cold weather, multi-angled sipes to bite through snow and ice, and a unique UHP inspired asymmetric tread design to maintain high-speed stability in dry conditions. The new Eurowinter HS439 is available in more than 30 sizes for 13- to 19-inch wheels in the 70 to 40 aspect ratios. Himalaya WS2 Federal, the Taiwanese tire manufacturer, is launching a new winter tire in Canada for the upcoming winter season, the Himalaya WS2 (studdable), also known as the WS2-SL (studless). Among its main features are intersecting main grooves to provide ice and snow grip and a V-shaped groove design to reduce uneven tread wear under high load. Federal has also worked on a multiple pitch arrangement tested through computer simulations that ensures precise steering and reduces noise. The wide centre rib offers excellent water drainage on wet roads. The Federal WS2 is available in 31 sizes for 13- to 17- inch wheels in the 70 to 50 aspect ratios while the WS2-SL is available in 20 sizes for 13- to 17-inch wheels with the 65 to 50 aspect ratios. I ZEN KW27 Korean tire manufacturer Kumho is introducing a new passenger car and SUV tire this winter, the I ZEN KW27. This new product features an aggressive asymmetric pattern that is mainly designed for SUVs. Kumho promises powerful snow traction thanks to its wide lateral grooves. As for snow and mostly ice braking, the KW27 features multiple sipes. This new Kumho is available in 37 sizes for 15- to 19-inch wheels in the 65 to 35 aspect ratio and H, V, and W speed ratings. Remember that Kumho also produces tires such as the KW11 Stud, the KW19 WIS (also available as a Marshal product), the KW21 Ice Power, the KW23, and the KW17. MASUW MASW and MASUW Taiwanese tire maker Maxxis is offering two new SUV winter tires this season, the MASW, also known as the Victra Snow SUV, and the MASUW, also known as the Spike SUV. The first one a unidirectional product with specific SUV tread design features high density lateral sipes, random pitch areas for a quieter ride, and advanced compound for better braking is MASW offered in 21 sizes for 15- to 18-inch wheels in the 80 to 55 aspect ratios and H and V speed ratings. As for the second one, the Spike SUV is also a unidirectional tire but in this case, it is pinned for studs. It, too, has advanced tread compound and random pitch for a quieter ride. This tire is also available in about 21 sizes for 15- to 18-inch wheels and 75 to 55 aspect ratio. Open Country WLT1 For the longest time, winter tires for trucks were almost overlooked. Nowadays, more than one manufacturer is producing new winter tires for light and commercial trucks. Toyo is one of them and its new product for the upcoming winter is the Open Country WLT1. The WLT1 has been developed to provide great performance for a variety of commercial vehicle applications. It was also designed to carry loads and get through demanding winter conditions. A rapid look at the new design and profile will tell you the Open Country WLT1 will provide good ice and snow traction with long wear life. September 2009 Tire News 9

10 SPECIAL WINTER TIRES EDITION Éric Descarries Winter Tires Hot Products! If you think that developing racing tires or performance tires is interesting, you should look at the development of winter tires. Whereas racing and performance tires usually operate on clean, level pavement, winter tires have to stick to the road whether it is dry, wet, icy, or snowy. If racing and performance tires have to deal with heat, winter tires have to deal with cold, heat, and wear! In addition, manufacturers have to develop winter tires for passenger cars, SUVs, light trucks, and even performance vehicles. Isn t that more demanding than for racing and performance only? Here is a look at some hot products hitting our market for the upcoming season. Q R S T H V W 160 km/h 170 km/h 180 km/h 190 km/h 210 km/h 240 km/h 270 km/h Winter Slalom KSI Winter Slalom KSI It s been quite a while since BFGoodrich unveiled a brand new winter tire. So, for the winter season, the legendary manufacturer belonging to the Michelin group is coming out with a new generation of its Winter Slalom brand of tires, the KSI. Designed for cars, SUVs and CUVs, the Winter Slalom KSI is available in 36 popular sizes for 14- to 17-inch wheels in the 75 to 55 aspect ratios, all with an S speed rating. BFGoodrich is also bringing back the Commercial T/A Traction line of tires for commercial trucks, a product that is quite suitable for winter. Commercial T/A Traction The new Winterforce Last year, tiremaker Bridgestone relaunched its affordable Winterforce tire, but this time with the Firestone logo on the sidewalls. Actually, this studdable product is available for wheels from 13 to 17 inches in the 80 to 55 ratios, all with an S speed rating. The same tire is available for light trucks SUVs and CUVs under the Winterforce UV moniker. It this case, it s available for 15- to 17-inch wheels in the 75 to 65 ratios, all with the S speed rating. Winterforce 10 Tire News September

11 Blizzak tires prepare you for whatever old man winter throws your way. introducing two new tires designed exclusively for winter driving. 3-d sipes enhance dry performance while maintaining snow, ice and wet traction silica improves traction in wet conditions continuous lug enhances snow traction and water evacuation circumferential grooves channel water to reduce hydroplaning zigzag sipes increase biting edges center multi-z pattern improves snow and ice traction through drainage with more biting edges rc polymer improves snow and ice performance 3-d sipes enhance dry performance while maintaining snow, ice and wet traction continuous lug enhances snow traction and water evacuation improved snow & ice traction h speed rating 34 sizes from 17 to 20 5 run-flat sizes from 16 to 18 improved snow & ice performance r speed rating 46 sizes from 15 to 22 Meets the severe snow service requirements of the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC). bridgestonetire.ca GO TIRE tiresafety.com

12 SPECIAL WINTER TIRES EDITION Éric Descarries Ultra Grip Performance 2 Ultra Grip Performance 2 Like many other manufacturers, American giant Goodyear is introducing another new tire for the Ultra Grip Performance 2, a winter tire for severe conditions featuring Adaptive SipeGrip Technology that will allow the tire to have great gripping power in slippery conditions such as in snow, on ice, and in the rain, while still maintaining handling on dry pavement. What is Adaptive SipeGrip Technology? According to Goodyear, it is an assembly of 2D zigzag sipes in the centre of the treadware and 3D waffle sipes in the shoulders for stiffness. Add to that hydrodynamic V groove and intermediate circumferential grooves, optimized polymer blend and advanced silica technology all with four different block sizes and rib shifting for a quiet and comfortable ride with uniform wear. The New Ultra Grip Performance 2 tire is available in 18 sizes for 16- to 18-inch wheels in the 60 to 45 aspect ratios with H and V speed ratings. Avalanche Light Truck The Avalanche line-up If your customers are looking for a great winter tire at a reasonable price, consult Hercules line-up of Avalanche tires for cars and for trucks. In the car department, the Avalanche is available in close to 35 sizes with black sidewalls and 10 with white sidewalls for 14- to 17-inch wheels in the 75 to 50 aspect ratios with S and T speed ratings. As for the SUV version, it is available in twelve black sidewall sizes and four with white walls all with an S speed rating for 15- to 20-inch wheels. The Avalanche is also available in 14 sizes in its X-Treme version for light trucks with 15- to 18-inch wheels. Avalanche X-Treme 12 Tire News September

13 Features & Benefits improved tread pattern: Parallel central ribs to improve vehicle handling Stable shoulder blocks with Force Transmission Links to increase performance Circumferential central groove for fast drainage, slush expulsion and better self cleaning increased sipe density and 3D Drop sipes: More grip edges for better snow handling performance nordic silica compound: Innovative winter grip polymer for improved snow traction, performance and ice grip NORD FROST 5 * SIZES AVAILABLE NORD * FROST 5 13 inch 16 inch 155/80R 13 79T SL 225/75R T SL 175/70R 13 82T SL 215/70R T SL 14 inch 225/70R T SL 175/70R 14 84T SL 215/65R T XL 185/70R 14 88T SL 205/60R 16 96T XL 195/70R 14 91T SL 215/60R 16 95T SL 175/65R 14 82T SL 225/60R T XL 185/65R 14 86T SL 205/55R 16 94T XL 185/60R 14 82T SL 215/55R 16 97T XL 15 inch 225/55R 16 99T XL 205/70R 15 96T SL 17 inch 215/70R 15 98T SL 225/65R T SL 185/65R 15 88T SL 235/65R T XL 195/65R 15 91T SL 235/55R T XL 205/65R 15 94T SL 205/50R 17 93T XL 185/60R 15 88T XL 225/50R 17 98T XL 195/60R 15 88T SL 225/45R 17 94T XL 195/55R 15 89T XL 18 inch 245/40R 18 97T XL NEW SIZES FOR 2009

14 SPECIAL WINTER TIRES EDITION Éric Descarries I ZEN KC11 I ZENs for light trucks Though the I ZEN KW 27 is Korean tire maker Kumho s newest product for cars, let s not forget it also offers two winter tires for light trucks and SUVs, the I ZEN KC11 Power Grip and the I ZEN KC15 RV. The first tire is available in sixteen sizes for 15- to 17-inch wheels in the 85 to 65 ratios all with Q and R speed ratings while the second one is available in 22 sizes for 16- to 20-inch wheels in the 70 to 40 aspect ratios in the T, H, V, and W speed ratings. The Power Grip is recognizable by its V groove that improves water drainage capability and toothed edge block pattern including variable siping while the RV comes with an aggressive asymmetric pattern design with lateral grooves, multiple sipes for snow and ice braking and a new concept silica compound that enhances wet performance. Note that some Kumho products are also sold under the Marshal brand name. I ZEN KC15 Pilot Alpin PA3 Many new sizes According to Normand Latrémouille, responsible for Michelin s winter tires in Canada, the Quebec law making winter tires mandatory for resident vehicles in 2008 encouraged the production of many more sizes of its main winter products. For example, the recent Michelin X-ICE 2 has been so popular that many more sizes had to be added. As far as performance tires are concerned, Michelin had to add 21 new sizes to its Alpin line of winter tires, five in the Pilot Alpin 2 line of products, nine in the Pilot Alpin PA3 line, all with V speed rating, and seven in the Primacy Lapin PA3 line, all with H rating As far as the X-Ice Xi2 is concerned, there will be four new T rated sizes added. SUV and CUV owners will find one new size within the Latitude Alpin HP range, seven in the Latitude Alpin range, and another single one in the Latitude X-Ice Xi2 range of winter tires. X-Ice Xi2 Latitude Alpin HP 14 Tire News September

15 ca.pirelli.com PIRELLI WINTER TIRES: YOUR BEST FRIENDS IN EVERY WINTER CONDITION. WINTER PROMOTION WINTER CARVING - $40 REBATE $40 mail-in rebate valid with the purchase of 4 tires from September 1 st to December 31 st, 2009.

16 SPECIAL WINTER TIRES EDITION Éric Descarries A dedicated winter tire brand Finish Nokian tire brand has always offered some of the most spectacular tires on the Canadian market. Actually, its reputation in this country was first made by rally teams. Last year, Nokian introduced its asymmetrical tread design equipped WR G2 winter tire. A lot of research went into controlling driving in the slush with innovative slush wedges and polished grooves that thrust heavy slush and water out of the tread to prevent aquaplaning. WR G2 Winter Sottozero Serie II Ready for winter! Last year, Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli launched a brand new line of winter products, mostly known as the Winter Sottozero Serie II. Environmentally friendly, that line of tires is recognizable by its asymmetric tread pattern available in two different designs, the inner section being made of a rigid compound for wet and dry pavement while the outer section is more specifically designed for snow and ice thanks to its widely spaced blocks. This tire is offered for 16- to 20-inch rims in the 65 to 30 ratios and H, V, and W speed ratings. 16 Tire News September

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18 SPECIAL WINTER TIRES EDITION Éric Descarries Seven Laredo HD/T tires Uniroyal, a division of the Michelin family of tires, has announced it will offer no less than seven Laredo HD/T winter tires for truck owners in Uniroyal reassures us that those tires meet the RAC requirements for traction in the snow. The Laredo HD/T is available for two wheel sizes, 15 and 16 inches in the 85 and 75 aspect ratios, all with a Q speed rating. Laredo HD/T Award-winning winter tires Dutch tire manufacturer Vredestein got a lot of positive reception for its recent Arctrac tire in Europe. For example, it was awarded a second place with an average score of 8.4 in a test commissioned by a number of major publishers from Scandinavia and Russia, especially within the studded segment. The Arctrac was thus submitted to several extensive tests while its stepped diagonal groove provided more lateral grip on snow. Arctrac In addition, its Snowtrac 3 was declared the winner in a major winter tire test in Europe. The test was organized by the German ADAC (auto club), the Swiss Touring Club Schweiz, and the Austrian ÖAMTC. Vredestein wanted its Snowtrac 3 to be a very safe tire. It shows a sophisticated new profile design that makes it quieter than its Snowtrac 2 predecessor. Add to that a new rubber compound free from oils containing PCAs. Even its rolling resistance has been reduced with this new compound. Snowtrac 3 Vredestein is so proud of its Snowtrac 3 that is considers it as its best winter tire ever developed. It features no traditional continuous longitudinal groove as the whole tire is expected to be used for braking and drive power. Vredestein has developed a new technology to prevent aquaplaning with a new type of groove with zigzag pattern of a constant width in the centre of the tread. It provides rapid water dispersal. Also, the Snowtrac 3 s rounded footprint assures a fast and efficient dispersal of water and slush. 18 Tire News September

19 TAKE IT TO THE AND RECEIVE A WITH THE PURCHASE OF 4 GENERAL Al t i MAX ARCTIC WINTER TIRES OFFER VALID SEPTEMBER 28 NOVEMBER 8, 2009 $20 Mail-in rebate offer. Valid in Canada only on purchases made between September 28, 2009 and November 8, Claim must be received by November 30, Limit one (1) claim per person. Claim must include legibly completed claim form and photocopy of dated paid receipt for purchase of four (4) General Al t i MAX Arctic winter tires. Excluding Canadian Tire purchases. See your Dealer or visit for redemption form and complete details. d7 º C TIME FOR WINTER TIRES When temperatures fall below 7 o Celsius, it s time for winter tires. G E N E R A L T I R E. C A

20 SPECIAL WINTER TIRES EDITION Éric Descarries Winter products carried over Looking at Yokohama s catalogue of winter tires, all of them are carried over for the upcoming season. Nonetheless, the W. Drive is worth mentioning since it is pretty recent and it features an asymmetrical tread pattern and its Rigid All-Weather Construction is designed to provide reliable driving stability and high speed capacity. The tire is available for wheels from 16 to 19 inches. IG20 In addition, Yokohama s IceGuard IG20 is a highly developed tire with a treadware designed to cut through the watery film on ice that causes micro-hydroplaning. Its size range covers wheels from 13 to 18 inches. And for light trucks and SUVs, Yokohama brings back its Geolander I/T G072 for 15- to 20-inch wheels. Geolander G072 W. Drive 20 Tire News September

21 GO THROUGH SLEET, ICE AND SNOW WITH BLIZZAK DM-V1 DM-Z3 LM-22 LM-25 LM-50 LM-60 MZ-03 W965 WS-60 BLIZZAK WINTER TIRES Atlas Tire Wholesale Inc. YOUR SOURCE FOR BRIDGESTONE TIRES WEST 6290 SHAWSON DRIVE MISSISSAUGA, ON L5T 1H5 TEL (905) FAX (905) EAST 140 McLEVIN AVE., # 6 & 7 SCARBOROUGH, ON M1B 3V1 TEL (416) FAX (416) sales@atlastire.com

22 Looking for the best? So are we. Since 1956, Fountain Tire has thrived and grown to over 135 locations throughout Western Canada. We attribute our success to the strong partnerships we have with our store managers. We actively seek feedback from our managers to build programs that work. Together, we look for nothing less than the best for our customers. The best tires. The best service. Most importantly, we look for the best people. People are the heart and soul of our business. And we re looking for more of the best people to expand the Fountain Tire family. Fountain Tire store managers are people who believe as we do that customer service is the most important product in the store. We have the best tools in the business to ensure your store s profitability. We d love to tell you about them! Our toolbox contains: n A complete retail solution which provides support for your business including accounting, payroll, IT, legal services, an educational learning centre, a Corporate Fleet and National Account sales team, and more! This gives you more time to take care of your customers. n A comprehensive marketing and advertising strategy that creates awareness and increases traffic. n The #1 Loyalty Program in Canada AIR MILES reward miles. n Canada s 50 Best Managed Companies Platinum status. n Key brands such as Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, NAPA and Quaker State. We d love to sit down over coffee anytime, anywhere and discuss how your business and one of our many ownership programs can cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship. With our tools and your expertise we can grow stronger together! Jason Herle Direct: (780) Toll Free: jason.herle@fountaintire.com

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24 Glen Nicholson Electronic Stability Control Tires and Electronics Electronics have invaded the world of traction. Does this mean good tires are no longer important? Should tire vendors stand aside and let computers take over? Three electronic tools have enhanced the ability of drivers to manage how their tires interact with the road: ABS: Anti-Lock Braking System (from the German antiblockiersystem) TC: Traction Control ESC: Electronic Stability Control Most people do not understand how these systems work and how tires are a key component necessary to make these electronic tools function properly. Antilock Braking Systems ABS prevents wheels from locking up during braking. Locking individual wheels can cause vehicles to lose steering control and spin or slide aimlessly. Wheel speed sensors detect impending wheel lockup. ABS then pumps brakes rapidly to prevent individual wheels from locking. Advanced ABS technology varies hydraulic braking pressure to the wheels, balancing braking forces in response to available traction. Advanced technology may also sense panic stops and help the driver apply extra braking force. Many people wrongly believe that ABS shortens braking distance. This depends on the road surface. On loose surfaces such as gravel or snow, ABS can significantly increase braking distance because locked wheels can build up a ridge of loose material in front of the tire that helps slow down the vehicle. The main benefit of ABS is to maintain steering control during hard braking. Traction Control Traction Control does for accelerating what ABS does for braking. Traction control detects when one wheel is spinning faster than the other. Most TC systems then use ABS to apply the brake to the faster wheel to balance traction between the drive wheels. This helps drivers get moving in low or uneven traction situations and accelerate under control. Electronic Stability Control Electronic Stability Control uses the ABS system to maintain steering control. It works whether braking, accelerating, or coasting. ESC detects understeer (when the front end slides out in a curve) or oversteer (when the back end slides out). Then ESC instantly and automatically brakes one wheel to help steer the vehicle where the driver intends to go. (Imagine dragging one foot to help steer a bicycle.) ESC does what no driver can do, instantly detecting and correcting skids, typically applying individual brakes and reducing engine power before the driver realizes the vehicle has skidded. ESC works at high or low speeds, on bare pavement or slippery roads, in summer or winter, and for small passenger or large commercial vehicles. ESC is so effective that it is called the greatest safety innovation since the seatbelt. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that ESC prevents: 40% of single-vehicle crashes 56% of fatal single-vehicle crashes 77-80% of fatal single-vehicle rollovers The role of tires So, with all this fancy electronic wizardry, what is the modern role for tires? Well, traction still depends on the tiny contact patches where the rubber meets the road. These electronic systems work within the limits of available traction. ESC does not improve traction or enable vehicles to corner faster. Even though ESC offers a spectacular improvement in safety, proper tires are required for ESC to achieve its full potential. Tire vendors know that, in winter, proper tires means winter tires. Typical all season tires are not really designed for all seasons because they harden in the cold. Hockey pucks stored in a freezer have reduced friction coefficients; that is, they slide. Frozen hockey pucks also lose elasticity so, when deformed, they do not return quickly to their original shape; that is, they don t bounce back. All season tires generally suffer reduced performance when temperatures dip below +7ºC. However, winter tires are 24 Tire News September

25 made of soft rubber compounds that maintain elasticity and grip in the cold. How do ESC and winter tires work in real life? As a driving enthusiast, I realize that my grip on life becomes tenuous when snow, ice, slush, and water separate my tires from the asphalt. Blizzards, darkness, and dangerous drivers add to the challenges, making winter driving a death-defying experience. The best investment I ever made was a new vehicle with ESC and top-quality winter tires. ESC, by itself, was very effective up to a point. However ESC alone only worked while I had traction. Winter tires, without ESC, worked as long as I had time to plan my manoeuvres. The combination of ESC and winter tires has transformed my winter driving, saving me from human errors and reducing the stress of winter driving. The role of tire vendors ESC is sweeping the market. Laws in Europe, Australia, and North America will soon mandate ESC (effectively including ABS and TC) for all new passenger vehicles. ESC is widely available from all auto makers, and some insurance companies are offering premium discounts for ESC. For these systems to accurately monitor wheel speed, tires should be even. That is, unequal diameter or air pressure may fool the sensors, perhaps thwarting the driver s intentions. While high technology improves safety, it also raises the responsibility of tire vendors to understand and inform motorists about the importance of proper tire maintenance. And electronics enhance the potential for appropriate (summer or winter) tires to perform like never before. EXPERIENCE CORGHI S TECHNOLOGY. ASK FOR A DEMONSTRATION, IT WILL CONVINCE YOU. TO SCHEDULE OUR DEMO TRUCK, CONTACT OUR ONTARIO SALES MANAGER: THIERRY LEFEBVRE ESC is sold under many trade names such as Electronic Stability Program, Vehicle Stability Assist, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Stabilitrak, and Advance Trac. To see a list, Google Names of ESC. The following links take you to more information or videos on ESC: ARTIGLIO 50 The following link takes you to information and a video on winter tires: Glen Nicholson is a Prince George lawyer working to mandate and raise awareness of ESC in Canada. He is an independent safety advocate with no financial interest in ESC. ONTARIO FOR INFORMATION :

26 The lar automot SPECIAL WINTER TIRES EDITION Winter Wheels An Important Accessory Éric Descarries Other than winter tires and winter preparation for cars, there is also another aspect of the business that has grown very important in all Canadian regions affected by winter weather the need for specific wheels for winter tires. Why not call them winter wheels? Many Canadian motorists have discovered how rough winter can be on their cars including the wheels, which can be badly damaged by snow, abrasive road agents, and the weather itself. They also realized that, if they plan to keep their vehicle for more than three years, it s more economical to buy a set of less expensive wheels to mount their winter tires on instead of paying for mounting and dismounting summer and winter tires twice a year. Which wheel to choose? The least expensive option is to buy aftermarket or OEM black steel wheels specifically for the cold season. If such wheels look ok on less expensive compact cars, they can ruin the good looks of any fine automobile or light truck. Consequently, choosing a more attractive wheel such as a so-called mag wheel becomes a good idea. A better idea would be a more expensive replica wheel. However, in many cases, they will not be perfect replicas of the original wheels, but they will be as close to the original wheel as possible without infringing on copyrights. The best idea would be to buy new original wheels or slightly used wheels. But then, expect the prices to be pretty steep. Many experts, including consultant Serge Guénette at Pneus Express in Laval, Quebec, do not recommend buying used wheels unless they have been carefully examined by an expert and guaranteed because too many are damaged, and even warped. Aftermarket wheels Owners of more expensive cars and light trucks will usually go for attractive, yet still affordable, replica or custom wheels. No matter how much snow hits your part of the country, winter is tough on fancy wheels. Though there are some great products out there, Dan Beaton from Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists in Ottawa, Ontario warns consumers against buying some Photos: Éric Descarries

27 $50 a season, you can store your customers summer wheels and tires in winter and, for the same amount, they can store the winter tires and wheels in summer. Obviously, such a business means a little organisation and, as you might expect, more storage room. An easy solution is used containers, if you have enough space on your lot to park one or two! As you can see, the winter tire business does not stop with the rubber! Any type of wheel needs some care. of the cheaper aftermarket wheels, which are not always at par with original wheels. As he says, aftermarket wheels can be of good quality but good wheels are not cheap and cheap wheels are not necessarily all good! Nonetheless, there still are very good aftermarket wheels and, surprisingly, they are easy to find. But shop carefully! No matter where you find the winter wheels your customer wants, they, too, will need maintenance, such as protective treatments and products to help them stay clean and shiny, and to protect them from salt and dirt. Make sure you have a good sample of such products to offer. TPMS Most recent cars and light trucks will require TPMS valves on their aftermarket wheels if the driver wants to stay alert to the air pressure in each tire. This will add to the price of the wheels, but it will also make for a safer drive. And a new service Ironically, the latest fad for winter tires has sparked a new business you might want to tap into. It s called tire storage. Indeed, many of your customers might want to store their four summer wheels and tires for the cold season but just don t have the room. If you haven t done so already, why don t you set up a tire storage service where, for about $30 to Storing customers wheels and tires is becoming an important business. gest distributor of ive wheels in Canada 2970, rue Watt Quebec (Quebec) G1X 4P7 Phone: Fax: Toll Free: wheels@macpek.com

28 Designed to protect you Testwinner Snowtrac 3 Excellent winter performance. Maximum grip on wet and dry roads. Superior handling. Low noise production. Optimal Safety.

29 TIRES DEDICATED SECTION + Latest industry news + New products and special events + Exclusive interviews and profiles + Online polls and resource section + Pictorials and advertorials + Management + Technology + Environment + Training + Maintenance LOVE THE BUSINESS YOU RE IN. HONESTLY. autosphere.ca Only National bilingual, multisegment automotive trade site in Canada (fl eets, mechanical, collision, tires) There are plenty of reasons we have grown to become Canada s largest independent tire retailer. Our owners are shareholders, which means they not only benefit from a large buying network but they also get support, business training and an inventory tailored to their needs. Not to mention the shared profits in a multi-million dollar business with 260 stores coast-to-coast. VISIT US NOW AT AUTOSPHERE.CA To find out if O.K. Tire is right for you, call the Franchise Department at or visit oktire.com TM The O.K. Tire mark is a trademark of O.K. Tire Stores Inc. September 2009 Tire News 29

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32 The MICHELIN X-Ice Xi2 TM tire advanced tread block with micro-pumps. Because no water on ice means more grip. Introducing the ultimate tire for ice grip and braking. MICHELIN X-Ice Xi2 TM exclusive advanced tread block with micro-pumps helps ensure optimal contact with the road by removing the thin layer of water that causes a loss in tractive grip. Therefore increasing safety, peace of mind and delivering a performance in all winter conditions like slush, snow and dry ice, that s nothing short of truly spectacular. To find out more about MICHELIN X-Ice Xi2 TM tire, visit All rights reserved. The Michelin man is a registrered trademark licensed by Michelin North America, Inc.