Goodyear Assurance Weatherready vs Goodyear Assurance MaxLife: Introducing two titans of the Goodyear tire universe: the Assurance WeatherReady and the Assurance MaxLife. These competitors, despite being created under the same banner, bring unique capabilities to the roads and offer drivers an intriguing choice depending on their specific requirements and driving conditions.
First up is the Assurance WeatherReady, Goodyear’s initial plunge into the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) all-season tire category. Launched in 2017, this stalwart set a high standard, offering excellent all-weather grip, a sophisticated tread design, and impressive longevity. Its Severe Snow Certification places it among the elite ranks of all-season tires that can truly brave the rigors of winter, while still being versatile enough for year-round use.
In the other corner, we have the Assurance MaxLife, Goodyear’s reliable standard all-season M+S (Mud and Snow) tire. This tire was introduced to the market in 2018, capturing a lot of attention with its industry-leading tread life warranty. MaxLife is specifically engineered for longer-lasting performance, promising utmost durability and consistently reliable handling throughout its impressive lifespan.
Although they were introduced just a year apart, these two tire types have sparked an interesting internal battle within Goodyear’s product line. They compete not only for the loyalty of customers but also for space on the same vehicles, as they are commonly available in many of the same sizes. Regardless of whether you’re a driver who prioritizes versatile all-season performance with the added assurance of winter readiness, or one who seeks the long-lasting dependability of a tire built to maximize lifespan, this Goodyear duel offers compelling options. Stay tuned to see how this internal competition evolves, and which tire will end up earning your loyalty!
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Results
Ideally, you would want a head-to-head test result to demonstrate the distinct performance differences between the two products. However, in this instance, no test results are available that compare these two products directly. Fortunately, Discount Tire has tested both tires, allowing us to use their data-tested results to assess the performance of each tire. The graph below shows the comparison between Goodyear Assurance Weatherready vs Goodyear Assurance MaxLife based on the relevant performance category.
Dry
In a critical aspect of performance, dry braking, both the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady and Assurance MaxLife demonstrate their quality engineering, but there are still notable distinctions between them.
Dry Braking :
- Assurance Weatherready : 100%
- Assurance MaxLife : 98.5%
Starting with the Assurance WeatherReady, the dry braking performance is commendable. When tested, it impressively brought vehicles to a full stop from a speed of 60mph within a span of 135 feet. This relatively short stopping distance can be attributed to its specialized tread design, which incorporates sweeping grooves to increase road contact and provide excellent traction, thus improving braking efficacy on dry pavement.
On the other hand, the Assurance MaxLife, with its extended lifespan and efficient all-season performance, shows slightly different results. The dry braking test from 60mph to 0mph culminated in a stopping distance of 137 feet. While this is marginally longer than the WeatherReady, it’s still a respectable performance given the MaxLife’s focus on long-term durability rather than peak performance in any one specific area.
These results reveal a close contest with the Assurance WeatherReady edging out the Assurance MaxLife in dry braking performance by a mere two feet. It’s a subtle difference, yet one that could be significant in certain driving scenarios. Drivers, therefore, must consider these nuances when choosing the tire that best suits their needs and safety requirements.
Wet
Wet braking performance is a crucial metric for evaluating a tire’s safety and effectiveness. Both the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady and Assurance MaxLife have been put through this rigorous test, slowing from a speed of 60mph to a complete stop on wet surfaces.
Wet Braking :
- Assurance Weatherready : 100%
- Assurance MaxLife : 98.7%
When subjected to the test, the Assurance WeatherReady had a stopping distance of 157 feet. This superior performance can be attributed to its advanced all-weather tread compound and sweeping tread grooves, which help evacuate water to maintain better contact with the road surface, resulting in shorter stopping distances.
In comparison, the Assurance MaxLife logged a stopping distance of 159 feet under the same conditions. This slightly longer distance is still a respectable performance, particularly considering the MaxLife’s design priorities of all-season reliability and longevity. Its optimized tread pattern does a commendable job ensuring traction on wet surfaces, contributing to effective braking capabilities.
The results reveal that the Assurance WeatherReady slightly outperforms the Assurance MaxLife in wet braking scenarios by a marginal difference of two feet. While not a drastic gap, this variance might influence the decisions of drivers who frequently find themselves driving in wet weather conditions and value optimized braking performance in such situations. The competition remains tight, showcasing the strengths of each tire in different conditions.
Mileage
Longevity and mileage are key aspects to consider when choosing a tire, and it is in this area that the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife really begins to shine. Using the Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) tread wear values as a standard for comparison, the Assurance MaxLife reaches a remarkable score of 820. As an M+S all-season tire, it’s primarily designed to deliver superior mileage, and it certainly lives up to that expectation. It’s worth noting that this is one of the highest tread wear ratings in the tire industry for this category. Further testament to its durability is its impressive mileage warranty of 85,000 miles, a figure that remains unrivaled by many competitors.
Mileage:
- Assurance Weatherready : 100%
- Assurance MaxLife : 117%
In contrast, the Assurance WeatherReady, although a formidable player in the all-season tire market, achieves a UTQG tread wear value of 700. While this falls short of the Assurance MaxLife, it is still a commendable rating given the WeatherReady’s emphasis on all-weather performance, including winter readiness. It offers a respectable mileage warranty of 60,000 miles, reinforcing its value proposition of reliable performance across various weather conditions.
The Assurance MaxLife emerges as the clear winner in the mileage competition, owing to its standout UTQG tread wear value and exceptional mileage warranty. However, the Assurance WeatherReady still offers a balanced proposition by combining decent mileage performance with its superior handling capabilities across a variety of weather conditions. The choice between these two tire models truly hinges on individual driving needs and priorities.
Winter : 3 peak mountain
- Assurance Weatherready : Yes
- Assurance MaxLife : No
Winter performance can be a game-changer when it comes to tires, and the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification provides a trustworthy indication of a tire’s ability to handle harsh, snowy conditions. To earn this certification, a tire must pass a standardized test demonstrating its ability to offer at least 110% of the traction of a reference tire in medium-packed snow conditions. This symbol is recognized in many countries as a benchmark for winter-capable tires.
The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady stands proud with its 3PMSF certification. This affirmation of its winter-readiness confirms that it is designed to deliver reliable performance and enhanced traction not only in mild weather conditions but also when temperatures plummet and roads become covered in snow and ice. For those who drive in areas frequently subjected to winter weather, this tire’s certification offers additional assurance of its capabilities.
On the other hand, the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife, while a solid performer in many respects, does not hold the 3PMSF certification. It’s an all-season M+S (Mud and Snow) tire with a focus on long-term durability and consistent performance, but without the advanced winter capabilities that the 3PMSF certification signifies. While it can still handle light snow and slippery conditions, its performance may not be as strong in severe winter conditions as the Assurance WeatherReady.
The difference in winter performance between these two tires further illustrates their distinctive focus: the Assurance WeatherReady’s balanced performance across diverse weather conditions, including severe winters, and the Assurance MaxLife’s focus on longevity and consistent all-season performance. Depending on your geographical location and specific driving conditions, one may be a more suitable choice than the other.
UTQG rating
The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) system provides consumers with pertinent information about a tire’s relative performance in terms of tread wear, traction, and temperature resistance. The system can serve as a useful tool when comparing different tire models, such as the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady and Assurance MaxLife. We have seen this first hand in the previous mileage segment as we use the UTQG tread wear values to determine both tire’s mileage performance.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodyear | Assurance Weatherready | All | 700 | A | A |
| Goodyear | Assurance MaxLife | All | 820 | A | B |
Starting with the Assurance WeatherReady, it scores a tread wear grade of 700, indicating it offers a good balance between performance and longevity. Its traction grade is ‘A’, the second highest rating, signifying its strong grip and braking ability on both wet and dry surfaces. Its temperature resistance also receives an ‘A’ rating, suggesting this tire is capable of dissipating heat effectively and can maintain its integrity under sustained high temperatures.
On the other hand, the Assurance MaxLife boasts a high tread wear grade of 820. This score implies exceptional longevity and durability, affirming its reputation as a tire designed to maximize lifespan. It too earns an ‘A’ grade for traction, confirming its reliable grip and braking capacity. However, it scores a ‘B’ rating for temperature resistance, one notch below the Assurance WeatherReady. While still a solid performance, it suggests the MaxLife may not dissipate heat quite as effectively, especially under continuous high-speed conditions.
Both tires demonstrate strong performances across these key UTQG metrics, with the Assurance MaxLife edging out the Assurance WeatherReady in terms of tread wear. However, the WeatherReady shines with its higher temperature resistance grade. As always, the choice between the two depends on individual priorities, whether that’s longer tire life, high-speed heat resistance, or a balance between the two.
Price
Price is often a deciding factor when choosing between tire models, and in the battle between the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady and Assurance MaxLife, there’s a modest difference to consider.
Tire size: 205/60R16
- Assurance Weatherready: $162
- Assurance MaxLife : $155
Difference: -5% cheaper for Assurance MaxLife
For a 205/60R16 tire size, the Assurance WeatherReady is priced at $162. This tire, with its wide range of capabilities including 3PMSF certification for superior winter performance, offers value for its price. Its qualities of solid traction, heat dissipation, and respectable tread wear make it a balanced, versatile choice.
However, the Assurance MaxLife comes in at a slightly lower price of $155. It represents a strong value proposition, particularly for those prioritizing longevity and tread wear. Although it lacks the WeatherReady’s winter certification, it still offers impressive all-season performance and has one of the highest tread wear ratings in its category.
The Assurance MaxLife is about 5% cheaper than the Assurance WeatherReady, making it a more economical choice for drivers. But it’s crucial to remember that the right tire for you depends not just on price, but also on your specific needs regarding performance, longevity, and the typical driving conditions you encounter. Both of these tires offer different strengths, so your personal preferences and requirements will play a crucial role in your final decision.
Summary
In the grand arena of tire performance, we’ve closely analyzed two standout models from Goodyear: the Assurance WeatherReady and the Assurance MaxLife.
The Assurance WeatherReady, Goodyear’s first foray into the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) all-season tire category, excels in all-weather grip and handling. It outperforms the Assurance MaxLife in both dry and wet braking tests, stopping a tad bit shorter in each scenario. It also holds the 3PMSF certification, signifying its excellent performance in severe winter conditions. However, its mileage performance, as measured by a UTQG tread wear value of 700, falls short of the MaxLife, and it’s priced slightly higher at $162 for the 205/60R16 size.
The Assurance MaxLife, Goodyear’s durable all-season M+S tire, shines in the area of longevity. With a standout UTQG tread wear value of 820 and an industry-leading mileage warranty of 85,000 miles, it’s built to last. While it lacks the 3PMSF certification and shows marginally longer braking distances, it holds its own in all-season performance. It’s also the more economical choice, priced about 5% cheaper than the WeatherReady for the 205/60R16 size.
These two models from Goodyear offer compelling options depending on your individual driving needs, whether you require superior all-weather performance or long-lasting reliability. The choice ultimately hinges on your specific driving conditions, safety requirements, and budget.