AVERAGE CUSTOMER RATINGS
- Available metal studs to further boost gripping power
- This winter tire is designed for snow and ice conditions. Internal testing found this tire can stop 6 feet shorter than its leading competitor in snowy conditions.
- Affordable prices consistent with competitors
- Earned a Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake Rating for severe snow service
- Customers report good traction even on hills, in snow, and in rain
- This tire is eligible for the Goodyear Replacement Limited Warranty.
- Certain sizes may be discontinued or on backorder.
- Some customers report a reduction in fuel efficiency.
- Some customers report that their tires developed cracks and relatively fast wear.
Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter Tire Review (Pros and Cons)
The Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter tires are winter tires designed for excellent grip even in rain or packed snow. With enhanced stopping power over their competitors, they offer a safe and secure ride in winter conditions. Read on to learn more and decide if these tires are right for you, as well as strategies and advice for saving money on your new tires.
Quick savings tip: You can often find special deals online and get tires much cheaper than in a retail store. Discount Tire, for instance, offers a low price guarantee and installs tires for you at a nationwide network of shops. Of course, buying online isn’t for everyone. Ask local tire shops about deals they’re running if this is more your speed. It’s pretty common to see a buy 3, get 1 free deal.
Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter Tire Review
The Goodyear brand has been around since 1898 and has a reputation for producing reliable, quality tires. In the five years from December 2017 to December 2022, Goodyear had only four tire recalls, fewer than the 9.3 average number of recalls in the same time frame across other tire brands. (Based on data from recallinfo.ustires.org.)
Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter tires are available from Goodyear, Discount Tire, Amazon, Walmart, and from local automotive shops. Discount Tire has two versions listed for the Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter, with the only difference being that one is labeled as Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter Studdable. They can be used on passenger vehicles including cars and SUVs as well as minivans, crossovers, and pickup trucks for light duty. These tires have not had any recalls within the past five years.
These tires are a great option for cost-conscious commuters and families who need to drive in wet or wintry weather. They are priced within the typical range for winter tires, and Goodyear offers a 14-day price match guarantee if you find the same tires cheaper somewhere else. You can choose to add optional metal studs to further increase their gripping ability. With their affordable price and excellent rating in winter weather, the Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter tires are a great choice for anyone driving passenger vehicles in rain, snow, and ice.
Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter Tires Pros and Cons
| + PROS | + CONS |
| Available metal studs to further boost gripping power | Certain sizes may be discontinued or on backorder. |
| This winter tire is designed for snow and ice conditions. Internal testing found this tire can stop 6 feet shorter than its leading competitor in snowy conditions. | Some customers report a reduction in fuel efficiency. |
| Affordable prices consistent with competitors | Some customers report that their tires developed cracks and relatively fast wear. |
| Earned a Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake Rating for severe snow service | |
| Customers report good traction even on hills, in snow, and in rain | |
| This tire is eligible for the Goodyear Replacement Limited Warranty. |
Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter Tire Specs
| Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG): | Rating: | NHTSA Says: |
| Treadwear Rating: | Not listed on NHTSA website as of April 2, 2023 | “The higher the treadwear number is, the longer it should take for the tread to wear down”.
Of current tires:
15% are rated below 200 25% are rated 201 – 300 32% are rated 301 – 400 20% are rated 401 – 500 6% are rated 501 – 600 2% are rated above 600″ |
| Traction Rating: | Not listed on NHTSA website as of April 2, 2023 | “Traction grades are an indication of a tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement. A higher graded tire should allow a car to stop on wet roads in a shorter distance than a tire with a lower grade. Traction is graded from highest to lowest as “AA”, “A”, “B”, and “C”.
Of current tires:
15% are rated “AA” 77% are rated “A” 7% are rated “B” Only 4 lines of tires are rated “C”” |
| Temperature Rating: | Not listed on NHTSA website as of April 2, 2023 | “Temperature grades are an indication of a tire’s resistance to heat. Sustained high temperature (for example, driving long distances in hot weather), can cause a tire to deteriorate, leading to blowouts and tread separation. From highest to lowest, a tire’s resistance to heat is graded as “A”, “B”, or “C”.
Of current tires:
62% are rated “A” 34% are rated “B” 4% are rated “C”” |
| Specifications: | ||
| Limited Treadwear Warranty: | N/A | Coverage for treadwear within a certain number of miles. |
| Speed Rating: | T | This rating is often used for family sedans and minivans. |
| Top Speed: | 118 mph | T-rated tires have a maximum speed of up to 118 mph. |
| Tire Load Index: | 84 – 107 | This number relates to the maximum load the tires can carry safely when fully inflated. |
| Max Load: | 1,102 – 2,149 lbs | This is the maximum weight the tire can safely support. Based on a Load Index of 84-107 |
Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter Tire Sizes Available
Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter tires are a great fit for vehicles with a rim size of 14 to 18 inches. This includes cars like the Fiat 500e and Toyota Camry, and Honda Civic, SUVs like the Honda CRV, minivans like the Toyota Sienna, and passenger pickup trucks like the Ford Ranger.
It is important to choose the right size tire for your vehicle, and within the same make and model, different trim levels or upgrades might support different tire sizes.
| Tire Sizes Available: |
| Check Tire Sizes On Discounttire.com |
Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter Performance
The Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter tires are designed for use in winter weather conditions. Winter tires have deeper treads than all-season tires, which helps them grip even in packed snow and ice. The NHTSA site does not currently have treadwear, traction, and temperature rating information available for this tire.
Goodyear found that the Ultra Grip Winter tire outperformed its competitors in stopping tests on snow by 6 feet. This means that the tires were able to stop the test vehicle at a shorter distance. Goodyear also advertises both winter traction and ultra wet traction, meaning that these tires can handle ice, snow, and slush. This tire uses a directional tread pattern and biting edges for enhanced grip in snowy conditions.
Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter Warranty
Goodyear does not offer a limited treadwear warranty for these tires. However, Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter tires are protected under Goodyear’s Highway Auto & Light Truck Tire Replacement Limited Warranty. During the first 2/32″ of wear, or the 12 months after you buy the tires, you can get your tires replaced for free if there are problems with the tires. Visit an authorized Goodyear, Dunlop or Kelly facility to get started on a warranty claim.
Should You Buy Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter Tires?
Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter tires are a great choice for people who drive passenger vehicles such as coupes, sedans, SUVs, minivans, and light passenger trucks in wintry conditions. Whether you face a light dusting of snow, sleet, heavy snow, or ice, these tires are designed to enhance traction and stopping power to help keep you safe and your vehicle under control. It is always a good idea to evaluate the intended use of your vehicle, and the weather you will be driving it in. Consider reading our article on choosing which tires are the best for you.
The Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter tires may not be right for you if you are driving in other types of weather conditions. They are not all-season tires, which means you’ll want to swamp them to another type of tire in the warmer months. Also, these tires may not be the best option for heavy-duty vehicles, which may need more specialized tires for hard work in the snow.
Where To Purchase Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter Tires
Buying a new set of tires is a big investment you’ll want to take seriously to ensure you get the right tires for your vehicle at the right price.
You might think buying tires online sounds like a hassle, but it can actually save you time and money. Online retailers offer a wide selection of brands, including Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter tires, at low prices. They also make it easy to find tires that fit your vehicle. Simply enter your make and model to find the right size tires and start comparing pricing from various online sellers. Don’t forget to calculate installation into your cost, which generally ranges from $15 to $45 per tire depending on the shop you choose.
If you want even less hassle and more savings, Discount Tire is the nation’s leading online tire retailer and it has a huge selection. Its Low Price Guarantee promises you the best deal. Discount Tire will also install your new tires at one of its many store locations. All you have to do is purchase online and set up an appointment for installation — no shipping fees or heavy boxes. Discount Tires’ tire installation typically costs $20 to $27 per tire. This allows you to enjoy the savings of online tire shopping while receiving customer service in-store, all from one company.
If you’re more comfortable buying from your local shop, do your research online so you have a good idea of the tire you want, then ask your local tire or repair shop about current promotions. It’s fairly common to find buy 3, get 1 free deals. Keep in mind, however, that local stores may not have your size or the particular tire make and model you want in stock.
If you simply want the cheapest tires and are less concerned about longevity, check your local area for used tire retailers. Just keep in mind that these tires won’t come with the same warranties as a brand-new set of tires. It’s also advised to replace at least two tires at the same time with a matching set for even wear.
Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter Tire Customer Reviews
Generally, customers report positive experiences with their Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter tires. People report good handling in winter weather, including driving up hills and making long road trips through the snow to visit family. Some customers were dissatisfied with the tires’ longevity and the negative impacts on gas mileage.
It’s important to choose the right tires for your vehicle. Different tires are designed using varying technologies that lead to unique traction and handling abilities. Tires are also designed to fit vehicles’ specific makes, models, and trim levels. Once you find the best tire for your vehicle and driving needs, it’s also crucial to keep up with routine maintenance, including tire rotations.
The FIXD scanner and app help you track your vehicle’s most important maintenance and upkeep needs, including tire life. Purchase the sensor and download the app to keep your vehicle and its tires in their best working condition.
FAQs:
Do I Need New Tires?
Tires generally need to be replaced when they fall under 3 mm of tread. Tread depth can be easily tested with a penny. If you have the FIXD app, after measuring the tread depth, the app will be sure to remind you when an upcoming tire replacement may be necessary.
How Do I Pick the Right Tires for My Vehicle?
There is more to picking tires than just a brand name. You should take into consideration how you use the tires, what conditions you’ll be driving in, what your budget is, and what tires fit your vehicle. If you’d like an in-depth guide, check out our Buyer’s Guide to the Best Car Tires (2023), and if you’d like a bit more information on how to find your tire size, check out our article on How to Find Your Tire Size.
Where Should I Buy Tires to Save Money on My Purchase?
Many consumers purchase tires at a local shop or online. Purchasing online can help you get the most bang for your buck. Although the process can seem confusing, in reality, purchasing tires online is no more difficult than purchasing locally. Purchasing online means you’ll also get the tires you’re wanting rather than just what the local shop has in stock.
When purchasing online you can have the tires shipped to a shop in your area and installed on-site. It’s not much different from purchasing locally in terms of the process, and the price is generally lower because of the level of competition to win your business online and the lower overhead costs of the online retailers.
Our first pick is Discount Tire. It is nationwide, price competitive, has excellent in-store customer service, and skilled installation. In California it is also known as America’s Tire.
How Do I Make Sure I Get The Right Tires for My Vehicle When Purchasing Online?
Just like purchasing at a local shop, you’ll want to make sure the tires you purchase meet your driving needs. Make sure the tire is able to handle your local weather conditions, is built for the type of driving you intend to do (commuting / racing / off-roading), has a good warranty, and fits your vehicle. All-season tires are typically a safe bet for most vehicles whose drivers intend only to commute, and there are several brands with great warranties. The most crucial and final step is to check your tire size. If you cannot verify the tire size you’re purchasing, don’t bother, an incorrect size cannot be adjusted to fit your wheels. This is an unlikely problem as most major online retailers like Discount Tire will list the size of your tire front and center on the product page. Keep in mind that if you no longer have the original wheels your vehicle rolled out of the factory with, you will need to buy a size that fits your non-OEM wheels. If you need help finding your tire size take a look at our instructions for finding your tire size or use Discount Tires’ “Shop by Vehicle” search located on their homepage if you have OEM wheels.
Sources
Goodyear Ultra Grip® Winter. Ultra Grip Winter Tire | Goodyear Tires. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2023, from https://www.goodyear.com/en-US/tires/ultra-grip-winter-tire
Sizes & Specifications for: Ultra Grip® Winter Sizes & Specs | Goodyear Tires. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2023, from https://www.goodyear.com/en-US/tires/ultra-grip-winter-tire/sizes-specs
Goodyear Ultra Grip winter tire reviews (14 reviews) – 1010tires.com. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2023, from https://www.1010tires.com/Tires/Reviews/Goodyear/Ultra%20Grip%20Winter
Discount tire: Tires and wheels for sale: Online & in-person. Discount Tire | Tires and Wheels for Sale | Online & In-Person. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2023, from https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/goodyear-ultra-grip-winter/p/28229
Discount tire: Tires and wheels for sale: Online & in-person. Discount Tire | Tires and Wheels for Sale | Online & In-Person. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2023, from https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/goodyear-ultra-grip-winter-studdable
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
