The winter studded tire Bridgestone BLIZZAK Spike-01 is one of the latest developments of the world-famous and respected Japanese manufacturer. The novelty is designed to replace the Ice Cruiser model, which proved to be so unsuccessful that the Japanese preferred to change the name. The new model has combined all the advanced technological developments available to the Japanese company. Among the key features of the next representative of the BLIZZAK family, the manufacturer particularly noted the following:
- excellent traction properties on icy surfaces;
- superior performance on snow;
- reliable fixation of studs in the tread;
- high durability.
Applicability
Like its predecessor, the Bridgestone BLIZZAK Spike-01 was specially designed for countries in Northern Europe and Russia. The main target audience for the novelty is owners of passenger cars of different classes, including crossovers and SUVs. The size range of the Bridgestone BLIZZAK Spike-01 includes 60 sizes designed for wheels with a mounting diameter from 13 to 18 inches.
Excellent traction on ice
As you know, studded tires owe their appearance to the desire to provide maximum traction on ice. It is on such types of road surfaces that the effectiveness of a studded tire is determined. Well, with this, the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01 is much better than its predecessor. This is largely due to the new Cross-Edge Pin studs, which were named due to the presence of a cross-shaped notch. This design element forms additional sharp edges, which significantly improves the reliability of the stud's contact with the icy surface. At the same time, the multidirectional arrangement allows for significantly improved traction on ice, regardless of the direction of movement. In addition, the studs have a cylindrical shape with a rectangular shape, which contributes to an increase in the pressure of the stud on the road surface.
In practice, such technical tricks made it possible to achieve a significant increase in the effectiveness of braking and grip when driving on ice.
Maximum performance on snow
Compared to the Ice Cruiser, the tread design of the Spike-01 has undergone significant changes. The only thing that unites both models is the V-shaped arrangement of the tread elements. However, by this sign, you can combine almost all modern tires from leading world manufacturers, to which Bridgestone undoubtedly belongs. The tread pattern of the Spike-01 is divided into two main functional zones - the central part and the shoulder zones.
The main innovation of the central part of the tread is a rigid longitudinal rib located in its very center. This tread element is distinguished by the complete absence of breaks throughout its length, an impressive width, as well as wavy edges. This brought the tire the following advantages:
- lightning-fast responses to steering wheel turns;
- excellent directional stability;
- more even distribution of load across the contact patch;
- reduction of resonant noise and vibration.
In addition to the rigid central rib, the drainage system has undergone significant changes, which has been thoroughly redesigned. The transverse and drainage grooves that make up the system have become significantly larger, especially at the points of intersection with each other. At these points, the tire's tread has the ability to hold much more snow, which significantly improved traction on such types of coverage.
However, what seems even more important is another advantage provided by the updated drainage system. The tire has become much faster and more efficient in resisting the manifestations of aquaplaning and slushplaning, thereby providing more reliable traction in unfavorable road conditions. Additionally, this ability is enhanced by special protrusions on the outside of the shoulder zone tread blocks.
Another component that provides excellent traction on snow has become the lamellas, the number of which has been significantly increased. Like the previous model, these elements have a wavy shape. This made it possible to significantly increase the stiffness of all tread elements, which had a very beneficial effect on handling.
Reliability of stud connection to tread
One of the most significant drawbacks of the previous model was the rapid loss of studs. The new Bridgestone BLIZZAK Spike-01 should not have such claims, even though the studs on it are still not glued. The Japanese preferred to go the other way, choosing a mounting hole that completely repeats the shape of the stud. This was enough to provide a more reliable connection.
Rubber compound
As you know, on the surface of the road, regardless of its type, there are many irregularities. If the rubber compound of the tread does not possess the necessary elasticity, then reliable traction cannot be ensured by either the studs or the lamellas. This was the drawback of the Ice Cruiser, the tread of which was not elastic enough, especially at low temperatures. This problem was solved in the new Spike-01 by using a new rubber compound. In addition to increased elasticity, it has a microporous structure, thanks to which the tread literally absorbs water from the road surface, leaving the contact patch dry. This property significantly increases the reliability of traction in various conditions.
Main features of Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01
- new Cross-Edge Pin stud with cross-shaped notches provides higher traction properties on ice;
- increased number of wavy lamellas, thanks to which the tire demonstrates excellent traction when driving on snow and ice;
- increased dimensions of longitudinal and drainage grooves allow the tread to capture more snow, which improves traction on snow, as well as provides increased resistance to aquaplaning and slushplaning;
- special protrusions on the outside of the shoulder zone tread blocks allow the tire to move more confidently through deep snow;
- reliable connection of the stud to the tread due to the mounting hole, which completely repeats the shape of the stud;
- self-cleaning lamellas around the stud mounting points allow them to work more efficiently.
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