AKRON, Ohio, Nov. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Millions of North American drivers will soon be faced with cold temperatures that lead to the snowy and icy road conditions associated with winter weather. These seasonal changes can not only be an inconvenience, but at times very dangerous, even for the most confident and experienced drivers.

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While traveling during the winter months, peace of mind can come with improving the contact points between a vehicle and the road surface. For many motorists, that begins with a vehicle's natural connection to the road, its tires.

With these factors in mind, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NYSE: GT) announces the new Ultra Grip Ice WRT, a premium winter tire which delivers enhanced traction in changing winter conditions. Ultra Grip Ice WRT features Winter Reactive Technology, a combination of innovative tire features to help drivers react to changing weather conditions with enhanced starting, stopping and turning traction.

The tires feature 2D blades in the center zone for hardworking biting edges for enhanced starting and stopping power on snow and ice. Goodyear's proprietary 3D TredLock Technology blades in the shoulder zone of the tire lock together to form large outer tread blocks for confident winter grip and handling in sweeping turns.

"Winter driving is all about preparation, and the key to being ready for winter is taking the necessary steps before consumers get behind the wheel," said Brandy Gadd, Goodyear brand manager. "Along with the antifreeze and battery check-ups, outfitting vehicles with winter tires is one of the first steps in ensuring your vehicle successfully makes it through the winter season."

Beyond properly equipping vehicles, she offers advice for motorists who will be faced with potentially slippery driving conditions this winter:

• Match your driving speed to the current conditions. If conditions are challenging due to a slippery road surface or reduced visibility, decrease your speed. A slower driving speed allows more time for a necessary response.
• Additional factors to consider when adjusting speed are the condition of the vehicle, its tires and your driving abilities. Always keep the posted speed limits in mind, and understand that those limits indicate the maximum speed when weather conditions are good.
• Plan ahead and try to anticipate potentially dangerous situations. When approaching a curve or potentially slick area of the road, use the brakes effectively. The brakes should be applied only before a curve and on a straight section of the road.
• Be alert to other vehicles. Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. If someone else seems to be following too close to your vehicle, perhaps slow down to allow them to pass – rather than speeding up to achieve a safe, distance between vehicles.
• If visibility is poor, remember to use your lights. This helps other drivers to see you when approaching or when following. You should always turn your lights on when your windshield wipers are on.
• Set the vehicle cabin to a comfortable temperature. This can be a challenge during winter when drivers and passengers may be wearing heavy coats in a vehicle, but it is imperative to be comfortable when driving. Cabin comfort includes keeping the windows free of frost, ice and snow.
• Avoid overconfident driving, and avoid overestimating the vehicle's capability simply because it is equipped with anti-lock brakes, four-wheel drive, traction control, winter tires or other safety devices. Do not allow good judgment and smart driving to be overtaken by a false sense of security provided by vehicle technology.
• Before driving in inclement weather, be sure that your vehicle is properly maintained. Make sure your windshield wipers work properly; have the correct level of antifreeze for heating and defrosting the vehicle; keep plenty of gas in the tank; and always use required safety devices such as seatbelts.

For more information about the Ultra Grip line of winter tires or any other Goodyear tires, visit www.goodyear.com.

SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company