The tire industry is fighting back from the negative effects of COVID-19 with a flurry of new product launches.
Firestone, for example, has released the Winterhawk 4 (above) which it says is for ‘passenger cars and SUVs in all winter conditions’. Apparently the new tire has 7% better snow traction than its predecessor (the Winterhawk 3) and wet-weather stopping distances have been reduced 4%. Indeed, the Winterhawk 4 has been awarded an EU label B-grade for wet grip.
Meanwhile at Hankook, the Korean firm has expanded its truck and bus radial portfolio with the SmartCity AU04 (below). The tyre has, “Been developed with a core structure and compound that is more heat resistant, improving safety and service life on city buses, and reducing wear,” says its maker. The ‘wheel boot’ features two different zig-zag groove patterns that are said to improve wet traction and braking, and a rib-spacing arrangement between tread sections to apparent improve fuel efficiency. An expanded sidewall protector gives protection from side impacts.
Finally, Alliance Tire Group has released the Galaxy Might Trac ND L-4 for skid-steer loaders. The tire features a non-directional tread pattern with large tread blocks, stepped shoulder lugs and angular sipes. The large lugs are said increase the footprint by 10% compared to comparable tires, and the angular sipes ensure traction on slippery surfaces. Alliance says the Galaxy skid steer tire offers better wear resistance, cut and chip resistance, tensile strength and modulus and higher heat resistance.
