Yokohama BluEarth-XT AE61 225/50 R18 99V

Description

The Yokohama BluEarth-XT AE61 225/50 R18 99V is a premium summer tire designed specifically for urban SUVs and crossovers. It emphasizes a balance of wet grip performance, fuel efficiency, quietness, and handling stability.

Here’s a breakdown of its key aspects:

Tire Specifications: Yokohama BluEarth-XT AE61 225/50 R18 99V

• Size: 225/50 R18
  • 225: Tread width in millimeters.
  • 50: Aspect ratio (sidewall height is 50% of the tread width).
  • R18: Radial construction, fits an 18-inch wheel.
• Load Index: 99 (Max load capacity of 775 kg per tire)
• Speed Rating: V (Maximum speed of 240 km/h or 149 mph)
• Additional Markings: Often includes “XL” for Extra Load and “RPB” (Rim Protection Bar), indicating a rim protection strip.

Key Features & Technologies: Yokohama BluEarth-XT AE61 225/50 R18 99V

• Asymmetric Tread Pattern: Optimally designed inner and outer sections for enhanced steering stability, wet grip, and resistance to uneven wear.
• Nano-blend Rubber Compound & A.R.T. (Advanced Reaction Technology) Blending: This advanced rubber technology, incorporating silica and polymers, contributes to:
  • Excellent wet grip performance (often achieving “A” on the EU label).
  • Improved fuel efficiency by reducing rolling resistance.
  • Enhanced wear resistance.
  • Reduced braking distance in wet conditions.
• Optimized Road Contact Surface Shape & Mound Profile: Contributes to even wear and improved straight-line stability.
• Noise Reduction Features:
  • Optimized lug groove layout to reduce air pumping noise.
  • Five-pitch tread pattern variations for suppressed pattern noise.
  • Silent edge grooves to reduce pass-by noise.
  • Reviewers frequently praise its quietness.
• High-Rigidity Shoulders and Triple Centre Rib: Provides superior steering stability and handling, particularly important for SUVs with higher centers of gravity.
• Four Straight Grooves: Ensures excellent wet grip and high resistance to aquaplaning.

Performance Characteristics (based on reviews and EU label): Yokohama BluEarth-XT AE61 225/50 R18 99V

• Wet Grip: Generally rated “A” on the EU label, indicating excellent braking performance on wet surfaces. Reviews confirm strong wet grip and good aquaplaning resistance.
• Fuel Efficiency: Typically rated “C” on the EU label, balancing wet grip with decent fuel economy.
• External Noise: Often rated “A” on the EU label (e.g., 68 dB), signifying low external rolling noise. This is a frequently highlighted positive in user reviews, contributing to driving comfort.
• Handling & Steering Stability: Designed for SUVs, it offers precise steering control and stability.
• Ride Comfort: Generally rated as comfortable, though some users note a stiffer sidewall compared to some other touring tires.
• Treadwear/Longevity: Promotes resistance to uneven wear, especially for SUVs. Reviews suggest it offers good durability for a premium tire.

Target Vehicle Type:

• Urban SUVs
• Crossovers