Tapping into the all-season market, Nokian is launching its new Weatherproof tire range. During development the Weatherproof was subjected to extensive winter testing in Ivalo, Finland, while summer performance tests took place on high-speed tracks in Germany and Spain.
The steep surface geometry of the center area of the tire’s tread, with its large tread blocks, has been carefully optimized to ensure excellent grip on snowy and wet roads. The axe-like v-shaped tread blocks firmly grip snowy roads. The heavy siping and the grading of the tread blocks add more gripping edges and further improve grip. The wedge-like rises between the center and shoulder blocks strengthen the precise steering feel and grip on snow.
According to Nokian, the greatest challenge relating to materials development was to ensure the tire’s performance in a large variation of temperatures. A tread compound tailored to these varying conditions features a next-generation silica compound, which provides good wet grip and low rolling resistance.
For the SUV version, tighter wrapping of the nylon belts on the shoulder areas stiffens the steel belt structure and reduces the movement of the tread blocks. This can be felt in the precise steering feel during high-speed cornering or lane changes.
