The winter tire Continental ContiWinterContact TS850P was presented by the German manufacturer quite recently. Nevertheless, this did not prevent it from becoming very popular, which unites it with the previous model with the index 830, which it replaced on the factory conveyor. As for the technical characteristics, most of them are noticeably higher in the new product, thanks to the use of a number of the latest developments and advanced materials in its design. They gave her much better performance on any winter roads.
Optimized tread pattern
Remaining asymmetric, like the previous model, the tread pattern of this tire has changed significantly. It contains many more blocks, the number of which has been increased by the developers by significantly reducing their size. This was done in order to improve the grip properties on snow. At the same time, this property is due to the increased number of not so much tread blocks, but cross-shaped drainage grooves located between them. With their help, the tread has the ability to hold much more snow, while compacting it. When driving on snowy roads, this design feature significantly improves traction on them.
In addition, it is worth noting the significant length and location at a relatively small angle of the gripping edges formed by the tread blocks. In combination with the above features, this noticeably reduces the braking distance on snow.
PrecisionPlus lamella system
One of the key innovations of this model is the PrecisionPlus technology. Compared to the previous version, it differs in the location of the lamellas. In the central part and in the shoulder areas of the tread, these miniature elements are located almost perpendicular to each other and at an acute angle to the direction of movement. The exception is the shoulder area from the outside of the tread, which is due to its functional purpose. In addition, the design of the lamellas has changed significantly. Now, when they come into contact with the road, not only their walls are blocked, but also those of other lamellas. As a result, the rigidity of not individual parts of the block, but of the entire block, increases. This made it possible to significantly increase the density of the lamellas, thereby increasing their number, which led to a corresponding change in the number of gripping edges. In combination with their location, this made it possible to significantly improve several operational characteristics, in addition to traction on wet asphalt, rolled snow, and ice. First of all, it is the directional stability, both when maneuvering and when driving in a straight line, as well as the speed and accuracy of reactions to steering wheel turns.
Deformable sidewalls
Another important feature of this tire is the design of the sidewall. Under the influence of lateral acceleration forces, it deforms much less from the outside than from the inside. The practical result of this technical solution is the stability of the shape and size of the contact patch during maneuvering and cornering. This leads to a significant increase in stability and traction.
In addition, in order to improve handling and traction in corners, the developers applied several more technical solutions. We are talking about the optimized shape of the tread profile, as well as the reinforced design of the breaker located directly under it. Together, this not only increases the stability of the geometric parameters of the contact patch, but also gives it an optimal square shape in terms of handling and wear resistance. These features are most clearly manifested when driving at high speeds on dry asphalt roads. In such conditions, this tire, being a winter one, is practically indistinguishable from summer models.
Excellent braking performance
In addition to the sidewalls, the tread blocks also have the ability to change their shape in a certain way under the influence of acceleration forces. With the help of the above-mentioned lamellas, during braking, they deform in such a way that the area of their contact patch with the road is maximized. In addition, due to the fact that the lamellas increase the rigidity of the entire block as a whole, the geometric characteristics of their contact patch remain very stable, despite the continuous change in deceleration intensity. In real operating conditions, this technical solution manifests itself in the form of a short braking distance not only on dry roads, but also on snow, ice, and wet asphalt. On slippery roads, the effectiveness of braking is further increased due to the numerous gripping edges formed by both the blocks and the lamellas cut into them.
Original longitudinal groove shape
Another interesting feature in the design of this tread should be recognized as the arrow-shaped shape of the longitudinal grooves that divide it into several functional zones. This technical solution allows not only to improve resistance to aquaplaning and slush planing, but also several other no less important characteristics. The most significant of these are increased traction on snow, ensured by the fact that the tread can capture and hold snow. In addition, the numerous protrusions on the walls of the drainage grooves significantly reduce the risk of occurrence and development of resonant noises and vibrations.
Main features of the Continental ContiWinterContact TS 850P tire
- the asymmetric tread pattern used in this tire, due to the fact that it contains many more blocks and cross-shaped grooves, gives it excellent performance on snowy roads;
- the increased density of the lamellas and their optimized location improve not only the traction properties on slippery roads, but also the handling and directional stability on dry roads;
- the special design of the sidewalls, thanks to which they deform in a certain way, provides exceptional stability of traction and stability of the tire when maneuvering and cornering, both on dry and slippery roads due to rain, snow, and ice;
- a short braking distance, regardless of road and weather conditions, due to the ability of the tread blocks to increase the contact area with the surface, as well as the numerous gripping edges formed by the lamellas cut into them.
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