Winter tires of the Blizzak line from Bridgestone have been occupying the highest places in various tests and ratings for decades, enjoying excellent popularity in countries with unfavorable weather conditions. The Blizzak DM-V2 model is one of the new products from the Japanese manufacturer, designed for high-performance vehicles (crossovers and SUVs) as well as station wagons equipped with all-wheel drive transmission.
Excellent traction on ice and snow
When developing the Blizzak DM-V2, Japanese tire makers paid special attention to ensuring maximum traction on snow and ice. To achieve this ambitious goal, a tremendous amount of work was done, primarily on the tread pattern. It has changed significantly compared to the previous model, providing a more even distribution of external pressure across the contact patch. This allowed the moment of wheel slip to be significantly delayed, which in turn improved the efficiency of acceleration, handling, and stability when driving on snow. At the same time, a system of cross-channels calculated using computer modeling, special "snow traps", and an increased number of lamellas provide reliable traction on snow in all directions.
Among other features of the tread pattern of this model, it is worth noting the angle of the drainage grooves. It is chosen in such a way as to provide the maximum speed of water and snow slush removal from the contact patch. At the same time, the blocks of the shoulder zones contain special recesses that improve traction when driving on deep snow.
Flat tread profile
Another innovation was the tread profile, which has an almost zero radius. This design feature provides a more even distribution of external pressure across the lamellas, which in turn increased the reliability of their traction with the road surface. In addition, the flat tread profile allowed increasing the size of the contact patch, and with it, the number of traction edges formed by the lamellas. All this had a very favorable effect on handling when driving on slippery roads from snow and ice.
Invisible technologies
Despite all the tricks used in relation to the tread pattern, most of the traction properties are still provided by the rubber compound. In this model, a new version of the Multi-Cell Compound was used, which, thanks to the latest technologies and materials, has acquired the ability to absorb several times more moisture from the road surface compared to the previous model. As a result, the Blizzak DM-V2 demonstrates noticeably better traction on ice at temperatures from 0 to -5 degrees Celsius. I.e., the tire has become much safer in the most treacherous weather conditions.
Another advantage of this rubber compound is the absence of the need for prolonged running-in of the tires. Instead of 1500-2000 km for the previous model, the new DM-V2 only needs 100-200 km to open up all the micropores.
3D lamellas
Like most other models in the Blizzak line, the tread pattern of this model is also equipped with a large number of 3D lamellas. The fixation of their walls in three directions is ensured by numerous small structural elements inside. Thanks to this, the contact patch has an infinite number of additional traction edges. In addition, when in contact with the road surface, the tread blocks of the Bridgestone Blizzak DM V2 become more rigid due to the dense fixation of the lamellas, which significantly improves handling on hard surfaces. The same goal was pursued by Japanese tire makers who used internal brackets in the lamellas, which do not allow the blocks to open excessively during rapid longitudinal acceleration.
Exceptional reliability
One of the "trademark" features of most tire products from Bridgestone is very high strength, which allows tires of this brand to withstand even very harsh operating conditions without any problems. The Blizzak DM-V2 model is no exception in this regard. Its sidewall has a multi-layer structure, and the corresponding reinforcement is also present under the shoulder zones of the tread. This provides the tire with incredible strength, making it very difficult to get a puncture. It is also worth noting the production location of this model. Unlike most leading manufacturers in the world, Bridgestone produces the Blizzak DM-V2 exclusively at its home plant, i.e., in Japan.
Increased tread depth
The aforementioned three-dimensional lamellas, in addition to the traction properties on snow and ice, allowed increasing the tread depth to 10 mm without compromising handling. This design feature led to an increase in the volume of drainage channels, which in turn improved resistance to aquaplaning and slushplaning. At the same time, the working depth of the tread, at which excellent performance on winter roads is ensured, is 5 mm. This is a very good indicator, since the Multi-Cell Compound rubber mixture, in addition to everything else, is distinguished by its excellent resistance to abrasive wear.
Main features of the Bridgestone Blizzak DM V2 tire
- a symmetrical directional tread pattern with a V-shaped design, developed using computer modeling, provides excellent traction on any winter roads;
- an almost zero-radius tread profile increases the size of the contact patch, optimizing the distribution of external pressure across it, which in turn improves handling and stability on snow and ice;
- a new version of the Multi-Cell Compound rubber mixture is distinguished from its predecessor by its ability to absorb several times more moisture from the surface of the ice, providing more reliable traction with it;
- the increased density of lamella placement improves traction on ice, while the dense fixation of their walls in three directions improves handling when driving on asphalt and rolled snow;
- exceptional strength due to the multi-layer structure of the sidewalls and the reinforced design of the shoulder zones.
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