Hydroplaning & etc.

["Al Powell" <apowell@agcom.tamu.edu>]

Re: the discussion about hydropaning - I would contend that tread 
pattern DOES make some difference.  Since I put he new Yokohama AVS 
V-series tires on the 200, it has been absolutely rock-solid in the 
wet.  Compared to the worn tires I had on it, the difference is 
astounding.  Of course, the tread depth part of the equation does 
come into effect here - yet I can't help but affirm that wet traction 
is improved over any tires I hae run before.

The AVS-V is unidirectional, with two center grooves (spaced about 
1/3 and 2/3 of the way across the tire) not unlike the Goodyear 
Aquatread, and has large channels running out from those.

Different effect but related - at in-town speeds, I haven't even 
been able to get a front tire to spin on wet roads!!  I'm tempted to 
attibute this both to tread pattern and to the rubber quality.

So far, those AVS's are looking mighty fine!
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Al Powell, PhD
Ph:  409/845-2898
Fax: 409/862-1202
As of 7/1/98, email will be: Apowell@learn.colostate.edu
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