QUEBEC CITY (Feb. 11, 2011) – To help North American drivers be better prepared for next winter after this year’s brutal snowfest, GITI Tire held an event in Quebec City today to demonstrate the importance of having the proper tires and using the right driving techniques when dealing with wintry conditions. A group of tire dealers and news media from across Canada and the U.S. were invited here by GITI Tire USA and GITI Tire Canada to test GT Radial winter tires and learn winter driving techniques from professional instructors. “We want drivers to have the same mindset as professional skiers who know how critical it is to have the right equipment and technique,” says Tom McNamara, vice president of sales for GITI Tire in North America. “Driving on purpose-built winter tires and using the proper driving techniques create both confidence and skill for dealing with the worst that winter has to offer.” After a discussion on winter tire technology, the group headed to an ice rink where they maneuvered cars through a series of accelerating, cornering and braking exercises. It’s The Compound! Many drivers mistakenly believe that the tire’s tread is the single most important component in the tire’s performance in ice or snow. While the tread pattern and depth are important, the tread compound is actually the most important contributor, according to William Estupinan, director of Technical Service for North and Latin America for the GT Radial brand and other brands produced by GITI Tire. The tread compound for the GT Radial Champiro WinterPro features the company’s NanoTek Silica technology and special rubber polymers that help maintain grip in frigid temperatures. In fact, the special formula in this new tire is designed for optimal performance between -10 to 5 degrees Centigrade (or 14 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit). “The tread compound is one of the biggest differences between all-season tires and purpose-built winter tires,” says Estupinan. “Summer tires start to lose grip performance at 5 degrees Centigrade or 41 degrees Fahrenheit.” Designed to Perform The GT Radial Champiro WinterPro’s unique elliptic grooves in the tread design work like a pump, removing water away from the tire’s contact patch. “The tire’s contact patch, the part of the tire that touches the road surface while your vehicle is in motion, is only about the size of the palm of your hand,” Estupinan explains. “You want that contact area fully in touch with the road and working for you.” The high performance GT Radial winter tire also features hundreds of tiny sipes in the tread design which help remove water that typically forms on top of icy roads and increase the traction on slippery surfaces. The GT Radial Champiro WinterPro comes in 33 sizes from 50 to 80 series and 13 to 16 inches. Available in T- and H-speed-rated sizes, this purpose-built winter tire fits many of today’s most popular cars, vans, pickup trucks and SUVs. Studs Really Dig In After successfully avoiding the walls in the ice rink, it was outside to the snow where participants drove cars and SUVs through a number of challenging exercises. The GT Radial Champiro IcePro, featuring a new innovative studdable design, was the tire of choice on the snow courses. The specially designed stud distribution enhances grip and reduces noise levels. A lateral groove pattern design effectively removes slush and ice from the contact area. The NanoTek Silica technology also plays a large role in the tread compound of this tire. “The studs in the GT Radial Champiro IcePro provide very aggressive grip when you are dealing with severe ice and snow conditions,” Estupinan says. The GT Radial Champiro IcePro comes in 28 sizes from 55 to 70 series and 14 to 18 inches. Available in T speed-rated sizes, this product line also fits a wide range of cars, vans, pickup trucks and SUVs. “Our message to drivers is: If you live in the snow belt, put on a set of purpose-built winter tires like the GT Radial Champiro WinterPro or IcePro for the winter,” says McNamara, noting that more drivers will likely give winter tires a try after this year’s steady supply of snowstorms. When McNamara says “set,” he means four tires. “Putting winter tires on only the front or back axle is dangerous because one end of the vehicle will have a lot more traction than the other, causing understeer or oversteer,” he notes. “Our GT Radial winter tires are great performers at a value price,” McNamara says. “There’s no excuse for drivers not to make the switch and gain some peace of mind during the winter.” About GITI Tire GITI Tire USA and GITI Tire Canada are the North American sales and marketing offices for GITI Tire Company, Ltd., which manufactures and sells GT Radial brand tires worldwide. GITI Tire Company, Ltd., manufactures and sells high quality GT Radial brand tires for passenger, SUV, light truck, truck, bus, and high performance vehicles. GT Radial tires are sold through distributors, independent dealers and retailers in North America. For more information, visit www.gtradial-us.com.

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