OTR 
Automotive 
Commercial If you need new winter tires, there are plenty of premium choices available including several with well-established reputations, Yokohama’s iceGUARD brand included.
For this winter season Yokohama has launched two new iceGuard variants – the iceGUARD iG53 for passenger cars and minivans and iceGUARD G075 for crossovers and SUVs.
To check them out, we’ve installed a set of iceGUARD G075s on our Kia Sorento to replace the Bridgestone Blizzaks it wore for the past two winters – that’s a set of four, of course – and while we haven’t yet encountered any serious snow or ice, our initial impressions are hugely positive.
Why? Because these tires are remarkably quiet and comfortable, and not just for winter tires. In fact, we were not just surprised but shocked to discover that both their noise level and ride comfort are better than those of even the summer tires we just took off.
As for their snow and ice prowess, we’ll have to wait and see – hopefully for a long while but that's probably wishful thinking. This is Canada!
Yokohama says both the advanced iceGUARDs should stick to the road well in harsh winter weather, due to their new directional tread pattern that increases the contact area and maximizes the edge effect on icy/snow surfaces. The tread pattern features zig-zag-shaped main and intermediate grooves, a wide centre rib, micro- diagonal grooves and 3-D triple sipes.
According to Diana Colosimo, Brand Development Manager for Yokohama Tire (Canada), they’ll provide “exceptional ice/snow traction and superb all-around performance,” combined with additional benefits such as longer tread-life and a quiet ride.
The G075 features a high-density reinforced compound, which allows for a more stable tread block for optimized road contact and longer, more even wear.
The iG53 features Yokohama’s new absorptive tread compound, which is said to lower the risk of micro-hydroplaning on icy surfaces by putting the tire into contact with the ice rather than the water.
Both are said to aid fuel efficiency by use of a low-heat-generating under-tread compound, which increases stiffness and contributes to low rolling resistance.
Fuel efficiency gains for both tires come from a newly developed, low-heat-generating under-tread compound, which increases stiffness and contributes to low rolling resistance.
The iceGUARD G075 for crossovers and SUVs is available in 37 sizes in 16-to-20-inch fitments while the iceGUARD iG53 for passenger cars and minivans comes in 32 sizes with 14-to-18-inch fitments.
As a bonus, both tires are said to be eligible for a $70 rebate until December 15, 2019, when purchased as a set of four.
We’ll let you now how our set performs as we get deeper into real winter weather.