Like its predecessor, the winter non-studded tire Continental ContiViking Contact 6 was designed specifically for countries with a harsh winter climate, primarily for Scandinavia and Russia. At the same time, one should take into account the very high bar that was set by its predecessor with the ordinal number 5 in the name. Nevertheless, the German tire manufacturers managed to create a winter tire with even greater performance on any winter roads. It is also worth noting the excellent elasticity of this novelty, with a hardness of only 52 Shore units.
Modern asymmetrical tread pattern
Having dealt with the "asymmetrical" theme several decades ago, the German tire giant today occupies one of the leading positions in this matter. This model is another confirmation of this leadership, as it is equipped with an asymmetrical directional tread pattern, providing it with excellent efficiency on slippery winter roads.
A characteristic feature of its design is the clear division into three main zones, each of which performs a strictly defined set of tasks. Due to this, the tire demonstrates amazing versatility in the form of high efficiency during acceleration and deceleration, refined handling, and a wonderful level of comfort.
Double tread blocks
No tire in this line has ever stood out with such a number of innovations as its sixth generation. One of these innovations is the tread blocks located in the central part, which are distinguished by their massive size and double structure. This allows the blocks, during significant lateral accelerations, to lean on each other, thereby providing the entire central part of the tread with increased resistance to dynamic deformation. The practical result of this technical solution was excellent traction properties, clarity, and speed of response when turning the steering wheel while driving on cleared asphalt.
System of multi-step lamellae
Today, most modern winter tires are equipped with lamellae. These tread elements, when in contact with the road surface, open up, thereby forming a multitude of additional edges for traction. In the case of this model, the German tire manufacturers went a little further, combining the lamellae into a single system. This was achieved through special bridges that, during significant acceleration forces, prevent the lamellae from closing. This design feature gives the tire additional stability and braking efficiency on snowy roads.
Excellent resistance to splashing
Unlike summer tires, the drainage system of their winter counterparts must cope with the removal from the contact patch not only of water but also of much heavier snow masses. The company's specialists managed to solve this complex problem by applying a whole range of original technological developments. The main part of the drainage grooves is located at a significant angle against the direction of movement. In combination with their number and quite significant internal volume, this allowed the tire to quickly get rid of not only water but also snow slush and thawed snow, thereby ensuring excellent resistance to both aquaplaning and splashing.
Main features of the Continental ContiVikingContact 6 tire
- The asymmetrical design of the directional tread pattern is optimized for safe movement on any winter roads;
- The division of the tread pattern into three functional zones gives the tire wonderful versatility;
- A multitude of lamellae connected to each other by special bridges provide the contact patch with an countless number of additional traction edges, the number of which does not change even during significant lateral and longitudinal accelerations;
- Double tread blocks in the central part improve traction properties on snow and handling on dry asphalt;
- The reinforced construction of the shoulder zones increases the directional stability when cornering;
- The drainage system is highly efficient, both on wet and snowy roads, giving the tire excellent resistance to both aquaplaning and splashing.