Scandinavian tire manufacturer Nokian Tyres has introduced a new all-season tire family for passenger cars, sport utility vehicles and crossover models. The Seasonproof range is designed for drivers who need the ability to navigate snowy and slushy winter conditions, but who also want performance and and driving feel in the summer.
According to Nokian Tyres’ recent all-season consumer survey, European drivers especially value safety in all weather conditions throughout the year. Grip and handling with good wear and tear resistance and safe winter properties in changing environments were also among the most demanded properties. In addition to the most important tire features, the convenience and flexibility of driving with only one set of tires were found essential. Nokian says the Seasonproof range was developed to meet these demands.
“We have a new tread design tailored for optimal year-round use and innovations to ensure maximum safety, excellent wear life and low rolling resistance,” explained Marko Rantonen, development manager at Nokian Tyres.
Based on what the company calls its Season Sense concept, the tires combine multifunctional all-season siping and directional tread pattern with a stiff block design. Nokian says wet and slush grip is accomplished with new all-season water and slush channels, which force slush and water away from the contact patch, and a high silica rubber compound provides durability, wet grip and low rolling resistance.
Additionally, multifaceted ‘Snow Claws’ between the tread blocks provide grip on snow during braking and accelerating, while ‘Snow Grip Boosters’ on the tread blocks contribute to longitudinal and lateral grip. Nokian also claims that the wear resistance of the Seasonproof range is more than 25% higher than its predecessor.
