Tire tread performance prediction in silica reinforced compounds by using DMTA was measured between a functionalized and non-functionalized S-SBR, both subjected to different lengths of mixing time. The S-SBR functionalization aids to lower tan 8 thus improving fuel economy, while increasing mixing time was favorable to enhance both fuel economy and winter traction characteristics. Tire predictor data for fuel economy, dry handling as well as dry, wet, ice, and snow traction was essentially the same regardless of the deformation mode (shear, tension, or compression) used. In comparing results between different deformation modes, deviations exist around E = 3Gi and around unity for the tan 8 plots. These deviations were explained in part, due to crosslink density differences between the shear specimen in comparison to those of compression and tension. Non-linear stress strain behavior was observed for both the tension and compression modes of testing at low strains and would cause deviation from theory. The deformation mode only influenced the extent of the combined Payne-Mullins effect as measured by storage modulus and loss compliance.