It features an advanced tread compound and larger outside tread blocks, ensuring dry traction and responsive steering. The notched center rib contributes to steering precision, making it suitable for city commutes and highway driving in dry conditions. The tire also excels in wet weather with circumferential grooves and full-depth sipes, minimizing hydroplaning risks and maintaining traction on wet surfaces.
Although it is not suitable for harsh winter conditions, it performs well in light snow and slush. The variable-pitch tread pattern reduces road noise, providing a quiet and pleasant driving experience.
The tire has a 50,000-mile tread warranty and additional coverage for uniformity, materials, and workmanship. While it is not ideal for off-road adventures, it offers a reliable and practical option for everyday use.
Whether you drive a sedan, a coupe, a minivan, or a crossover, the GT Radial Touring VP Plus tire is an affordable and dependable alternative for all-season performance. You’ll be able to make an educated decision regarding the GT Radial Touring VP Plus after reading this review, as this will cover the most important features, performance evaluations, user experiences, and more.
Tire Technology and Features
Advanced Tread Compound
The GT Radial Touring VP Plus has a tread compound at the cutting edge of tire technology to deliver exceptional performance in a wide range of climates. This compound is developed to preserve flexibility across a range of temperatures, supporting consistent traction and handling in both dry and wet road conditions. The tire’s strength and longevity can be attributed, in part, to the materials used in its construction.
Full-Depth Sipes
The GT Radial Touring VP Plus has full-depth sipes, which increase the tire’s versatility in wet and dry conditions. Treads with these microscopic grooves add abrasive edges in key spots. GT Radial offers consistent traction throughout the tread life of the tire by extending these sipes across the whole tread depth, which improves grip in wet or slippery conditions and boosts driver confidence.
Variable Pitch Tread Pattern
The Touring VP Plus makes significant technological advancements with its variable-pitch tread pattern. The design’s emphasis on the optimal arrangement and spacing of tread components helps keep vehicle motion quieter than ever before. The tire reduces noise levels by adjusting the pitch of its treads at different speeds, making the ride more pleasant for everyone within.
Circumferential Grooves
The GT Radial Touring VP Plus features circumferential grooves, which help prevent hydroplaning, to combat this problem. The strategically placed grooves that run the entire circumference of the tire quickly disperse water and slush from under the tire’s footprint. This innovation greatly reduces the likelihood of hydroplaning and enhances wet traction and handling in all situations.
Notched Center Rib
The tire’s notched center rib is a key component that helps it maintain responsive steering and handling. This improves steering response and stability by keeping all tires firmly planted on the road at all times. The notch in the center rib makes steering quick and simple, which boosts confidence and makes driving enjoyable.
Performance in Different Conditions
Dry Conditions
The GT Radial Touring VP Plus tire performs admirably in dry situations thanks to its superior tread compound and larger outer tread blocks. These characteristics allow for consistent dry traction, quick steering, and agile handling. The notch in the central rib improves steering reaction, resulting in a more responsive and accurate sense of the road. It provides a secure and comfortable ride, so drivers can feel at ease on the highway or on city streets, rain or shine.
Wet Conditions
The Touring VP Plus’s circumferential grooves and full-depth sipes shine in wet weather. Hydroplaning can be avoided with the help of these parts, which efficiently remove water from under the tire. The symmetrical tread design and wet-weather innovations in this tire provide excellent grip in wet conditions. The result is a tire that keeps its grip and stability in wet conditions, giving the driver peace of mind.
Winter and Inclement Weather
The Touring VP Plus performs well in mild snow and slush, despite not being suited for extreme cold. The full-depth sipes help grip as the tire degrades, offering some winter performance. However, deep snow, ice, or hardpack may reduce its efficiency. Drivers in milder winter climates can use this tire year-round.
Off-Road Conditions
Given its on-road focus, the GT Radial Touring VP Plus won’t perform well in extreme off-road conditions. Though not designed for off-road terrain, its tread pattern and substance work well on paved areas and in various weather conditions. Other specialist options may be more suited to the needs of off-road enthusiasts looking for a tire for rugged trails, rocky paths, or muddy circumstances. It’s crucial to evaluate the intended usage when selecting tires, ensuring they correspond with the specific demands of off-road driving.
Comfort and Noise Reduction
The Touring VP Plus provides an exceptional level of riding comfort and noise cancellation. Road noise is reduced by the variable-pitch tread pattern, ensuring a quieter ride. The tight contact with the road and the meticulous tread pattern also assist in absorbing shocks and vibrations, making for a more pleasant ride. The tire is ideal for lengthy trips, daily commutes, and trips when a quiet and comfortable ride is a priority because of this feature.
Tread Life and Durability
The Touring VP Plus tire strikes a happy medium between speed and durability. Full-depth sipes and a durable tread compound extend tread life. The tire’s capacity to retain traction over time ensures long-term performance. In general, the Touring VP Plus shows durability and wear resistance, giving drivers good value for their money. However, individual experiences may differ depending on driving behaviors and road conditions.
Warranty
GT Radial stands by the quality of the Touring VP Plus by including a 50,000-mile tread guarantee. The company is so confident in the tire’s quality that it’s offering a lifetime guarantee. GT Radial also offers uniformity coverage for the first 2/32 inches of tire wear. A free replacement is provided for the first 2/32 inches of wear as part of the 5-year warranty on the materials and workmanship. After 2/32 inches of tread, a prorated sum is offered for the remaining term. This comprehensive warranty guarantees Touring VP Plus tire performance and longevity.
Vehicles That Fit GT Radial Touring VP Plus Tires
- Buick Regal
- Chevy Malibu, Chevy Monte Carlo, and Chevy Lumina
- Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Neon
- Ford Aerostar, Ford Escort, and Ford Fiesta
- Honda Accord, Honda Insight, and Honda Fit
- Kia Telluride
- Hyundai Verna
- Plymouth Voyager
- Pontiac Grand Prix
- Scion xA, Scion xB
- Subaru Impreza
- Toyota Echo, Toyota Prius, Toyota Yaris
- Volkswagen Jetta
Compared With Other Tires
Michelin Defender T+H vs. GT Radial Touring VP Plus
Michelin Defender T+H tires stand out due to their longer tread life and well-known brand reliability, while GT Radial Touring VP Plus tires are lauded for their reasonable price and adequate all-season performance. Michelin’s products typically cost more because of their superior quality and durability. The Touring VP Plus is a good choice for drivers concerned with both price and lifespan, while the Michelin Defender T+H is a good choice for drivers who place a premium on both longevity and brand reputation.
GT Radial Touring VP Plus vs. Continental TrueContact Tour
The Touring VP Plus is a competitor to the Continental TrueContact Tour in the category of all-season touring tires. The GT Radial’s affordability and all-season traction make it a good choice for budget-conscious shoppers. However, the Continental TrueContact Tour has better wet traction and a quieter, more comfortable ride. The Continental TrueContact Tour may appeal to drivers who are ready to spend more for better wet performance and general comfort, while the GT Radial Touring VP Plus may appeal to drivers who are more concerned with saving money.
Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus vs. GT Radial Touring VP Plus
Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus, another all-season touring tire, competes with the GT Radial Touring VP Plus. Both tires provide a comfortable, reliable ride year-round. The GT Radial is known for its affordability and good performance, while the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus is known for its fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness. For people who value fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness, the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus may be better than the GT Touring VP Plus.
Customer Feedback
The GT Radial Touring VP Plus tire is a popular choice because it provides a quiet, comfortable ride at an affordable price. Many users have praised the dependable traction and handling it offers on both dry and wet roads. Some reviewers have also praised the tire’s durability, stating that it continues to perform admirably even after thousands of miles of use. The GT Radial Touring VP Plus wins accolades for being a cost-effective solution that doesn’t compromise on vital features, making it a popular choice for many vehicles.
While the Touring VP Plus receives positive reviews overall, its performance in wintry weather, especially on snow and ice, is a popular point of criticism. Customers in areas with hard winters have voiced concern that the tire’s lack of grip and control in colder temperatures may make them unsafe. A few customers have also complained about vibrations and noise at higher speeds, while some have noted that the ride is firmer than that of competing models. It’s worth noting that people’s mileage may vary and that for every negative review, there are several more that highlight the tire’s low price and high value.
Conclusion
The GT Radial Touring VP Plus tire is a reliable and budget-friendly all-season option for drivers. It features advanced tread technology, full-depth sipes, and a variable-pitch tread pattern, delivering consistent performance across various driving conditions. It excels on dry surfaces and provides dependable wet traction while maintaining a comfortable, low-noise ride. With a 50,000-mile tread warranty, the GT Radial’s confidence in its durability makes it a solid choice for everyday driving needs, despite not being suitable for off-road adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GT Radial Touring VP Plus suitable for off-road driving?
If you plan on doing a lot of off-roading with your Touring VP Plus, you might want to look elsewhere. It performs exceptionally well on paved surfaces and in a wide range of climates.
What makes the Touring VP Plus comfortable for long drives?
The tire’s tight touch with the road and varying pitch tread patterns help to dampen road noise and make for a more comfortable ride.
Can I rely on the Touring VP Plus in wet weather?
Hydroplaning may be avoided thanks to the tire’s circumferential grooves and full-depth sipes, which work together to channel water away from the tread and improve grip in the rain.
How does the Touring VP Plus handle dry conditions?
The improved tire compound and larger outer tread blocks contribute to consistent dry traction, quick steering, and agile handling in dry situations.
Is this tire suitable for winter driving?
It’s not made for extreme cold, but it handles light snow and slush just fine. Those who live in more temperate regions can utilize it all year.
What is the tread life of the GT Radial Touring VP Plus?
A: The tire provides a good compromise between performance and tread life thanks to the adoption of a long-lasting tread compound and full-depth sipes.
Does GT Radial provide any additional coverage for the tire?
Tire tread uniformity, materials, and workmanship are all covered by the tire’s 50,000-mile tread warranty.
How does the Touring VP Plus handle road noise?
The varied pitch tread pattern helps dampen exterior road noise.