According to manufacturer Vredestein, the European all-season tire segment grew by 23% in 2019. Looking to capitalize on this growth, the company has launched its latest Quatrac range, an all-season tire aimed at smaller wheel sizes.
Available in 15in and 16in sizes, Vredestein claims the new tire provides a balance of performance across seasons, while also increasing efficiency thanks to a lightweight construction and low rolling resistance. It notes that both shoulders of the tire are suited for summer use, while the center of the tire is more winter-focused, with a higher sipe density for better traction. Additionally, the number of shoulder blocks is scaled to tire diameter to ensure performance in winter and the tire also features a deep-V-shaped profile.
The company claims the tire performs 12% better than its predecessor, the Quatrac 5, in terms of dry handling thanks to the higher net contact area and stiffer shoulder blocks. The silica-based compound and V-shaped pattern provide a claimed 20% better wet handling and 10% improved wet braking performance. Importantly, it states handling on snow is improved due to an increased density of snow cutting edges, which have been tuned to work at all steering angles.
The tread compound is enhanced with a high quantity of terpene-based resins, coupled with a reduced air ratio and an optimized tire cavity, which leads to a more uniform pressure distribution, ensuring more even wear.
