Commercial 
Automotive 
OTR We told you about it a few weeks ago, this winter would take place partly behind the wheel of a Durango dating back a few years, but fitted with Yokohama ICEGUARD G075 tires. Those tires are the latest generation of light trucks.
The somewhat late installation – in early December – did not allow us to take advantage of the first snow flurries for the tests. On the other hand, the Christmas period, and its impressive weather cocktail, contributed to the drive. Snow, sleet, rain and dry pavement alternated, giving ideal test conditions.
The result after a few hundred kilometers: the ICEGUARD G075 are solid and provide greater grip than expected on snow. In fact, even on ice, the tires have proven to be very stable, allowing for confident driving.
The downside comes mainly when the temperature softens. As the ICEGUARD G075 have a large rubber surface to maximize grip, they are ideal on the covered street. This imposing surface in contact with the road, however, tends to create a slightly higher than average rolling noise.
Another detail, this imposing sole plays an impeccable role when the time comes to face the cold weather. In warmer temperatures, the rubber tends to soften more, causing a greater distance when braking. Minimal, but still easy to notice when, as it has been the case in recent weeks, the temperature is playing yo-yo.
On the road
Holiday season 2019. The snow fell early, in November, then gradually disappeared from our roads, leaving some traces here and there. Thermometer gave the impression of playing ping pong, and the soles of our Yokohama, placed under old Durango, played their role wonderfully.
But it was necessary to test this innovation a little more intensively. So we placed the Durango in the open field, and tried to make it look bad (yes I know, I am not nice). Even if it was not designed for off-road, the IG075 surprised everyone who tried the experiment.
The depth and variety of the furrows, combined with the contact width, made it possible to get out of all the bad steps. We even went so far as to go into a snowy meadow with free-ranging horses. Result: the Durango never experienced any hesitation, the tires biting into the snow and making it possible to get out of all the bad steps. And we felt the horses were laughing at us!
Taking advantage of the country road, we also pushed dynamic driving a little, as far as the resistance of the truck was concerned. The result was the same: the sidewalls of the tires turned out to be rigid enough to absorb the weight transfer, and allow the Durango to maintain its trajectory.
Of course, winter is not over. But so far, we must admit the impressive YOKOHAMA ICEGUARD G075. Hopefully, the rest of winter will allow us to push the tests further, while the Siberian cold will harden the gums!
Par Marc Bouchard