The Goodyear Viva 2 Tire: A Friend to the Environment

By SmokingTyres.com - It would seem implausible to think that environmentalists would praise a car tire; after all, cars contribute an extremely high amount of greenhouse gases and pollute our atmosphere and environment.  However, since cars don’t seem to be going anywhere in the foreseeable future, environmental supporters are looking to promote the use of tires that help a car run more efficiently, i.e. cleaner.  The Goodyear Viva 2 tire is one of these tires that at least one environment-friendly group recommends. 

The Goodyear Viva 2 tire is one among a group of tires that some classify as “low rolling resistance”.  In essence, these kinds of tires are designed to the resistance that occurs naturally when rolling on the road, resulting in an easier roll, overall.  An easier tire roll gives the tire a higher working efficiency, which environmentalists love because this means that the car can get better miles-per-gallon numbers (on the average of 3%, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists, whose website can be found at www.uscusa.org.  Three percent may not seem an impressive number, but with a major manufacturer, like Goodyear, producing a tire that promotes fuel economy, the hope is that the majority of the driving population will catch on to the trend and those little percentages will add up quickly.   

Although the Goodyear Viva 2 is a low resistance rolling tire and recommended by a number of environmental supporters, there are a few concerns about the product.  First, the tire is manufactured exclusively for Wal-Mart retail stores.  While this is a great way to make the tires accessible to the general masses, the exclusivity of the tire also means that they are not available just anywhere tires are sold.  Also, while Wal-Mart has a lot going for it regarding the price point of the Goodyear Viva 2 tire, averaging less than $50 a piece, there is something to be said about getting what is paid for.

In a 2003 study, The Green Zone, another environmentally conscious group, compared a group of low-resistance tires.  Overall, the Goodyear Viva 2 performed well for the price; however, compared to some of its counterparts, the roll resistance rating was not as efficient, and the customers’ overall satisfaction did not rate as high.  However, the traction and weather rating was considered above average and the tire was recommended by the organization.

 When looking for a tire that incorporates fuel, financial and environmentally friendly conditions, then the Goodyear Viva 2 just may be the right tire for today’s car.