The winter non-studded passenger tire Dunlop Graspic DS3 can be boldly considered one of the successful winter models of this British manufacturer. Thanks to a wide range, including several dozen of the most popular sizes with mounting sizes from 13 to 19 inches, this model is perfectly suited for most modern passenger cars. At the same time, the tire provides comfortable and safe movement, both on snow and ice, and on asphalt.
Tread design
When developing the tread pattern, the company's specialists used Digital Rolling Simulation II technology, i.e. digital rolling simulation technology. The practical result of the application of this technological innovation was a symmetrical non-directional tread pattern with an original S-shaped design. The tread of the Dunlop Graspic DS3 tire consists of three main zones with different densities of the rubber compound. The central part of the tread is made of a softer rubber compound, and the shoulder areas are made of a harder one. This made it possible to ensure a denser contact of the tread with the road surface, which significantly increased the contact area of the tire with the road. In addition, this design solution contributes to a more even distribution of load across the contact patch. As a result, it was possible to achieve excellent directional stability and handling.
It is also worth noting the block structure of the tread pattern, in which the blocks are grouped into five longitudinal ribs separated by drainage grooves. At the same time, the distance between the rows of blocks, as well as between the blocks themselves, is quite sufficient for the tread of the tire to be quickly cleared of snow. This ability provides reliable and stable traction on snowy and icy surfaces.
Another characteristic feature of the tread pattern design of this model is the presence of a huge number of special "MIURA" lamellas, the special shape of which contributes to the increase in stiffness of the tread blocks. Due to the high structural stiffness, it is possible to maintain reliable contact with the road surface, as well as achieve excellent wear resistance. In addition, the special shape of the lamellas made it possible to equip the tread with an increased number of them. As a result, these lamellas formed numerous sharp edges that effectively grip any road surface irregularities. This made it possible to further increase the traction and braking performance on snowy and icy roads, thereby compensating for the absence of studs.
Innovative rubber compound
Specifically for Dunlop DS-3, the company's specialists developed a new rubber compound that is distinguished not only by an increased, doubled compared to conventional tires, content of silica, but also by the presence of glass fibers in its composition. Silica allows the tread to more closely fit the micro-roughness of the road surface, and the solid glass fibers, acting like studs, provide exceptional traction even on icy surfaces. In addition, the increased content of silicon-containing components in the rubber compound had a beneficial effect on the tread's resistance to wear, which significantly extended the life of the tire.
Main features of the Dunlop Graspic DS3 model
- The optimized, using Digital Rolling Simulation II Technology, S-shaped design of the symmetrical non-directional tread pattern provides reliable and safe behavior, both when driving on icy and snowy roads, and during thaw periods;
- The innovative composition of the rubber compound with a doubled content of high-quality silicon-containing components, as well as with glass fibers, allows the tire to remain elastic at negative temperatures, providing excellent traction on snow and ice;
- The widespread use of computer modeling tools in the development made it possible to create a tread with an increased contact area, while ensuring optimal load distribution;
- The optimal stiffness of the tread blocks, provided by the special "MIURA" lamellas, made it possible to give the tire a refined handling character, reliable and stable traction with various types of road surfaces;
- The increased number of lamellas, forming additional numerous sharp edges, made it possible to fully compensate for the absence of studs in this model, providing excellent traction on icy surfaces;
- Low noise level, thanks to the carefully selected shapes and sizes of the tread blocks, as well as the variable pitch of their placement.
