The Firestone Ice Cruiser 7 winter studded tire is designed for passenger cars of various classes. The new product from the North American brand is offered on the Russian market in 19 sizes for wheels with a diameter of 13 to 17 inches. The tire's design is adapted for operation in winter conditions in Northern Europe and Russia, which is why it is characterized by improved traction properties on snow and ice, a long service life, and fuel efficiency.
Japanese Development
This model was created by Bridgestone specialists. It is this company that currently owns the North American brand. The popular Ice Cruiser 7000 model from several years ago was used as the "base". The tread pattern with a V-shaped arrangement of elements was completely borrowed from it. The key feature is the design of the central longitudinal rib. In essence, it is a series of separate blocks connected by rigid bridges. This element provides the tire with directional stability on straight roads, precise and fast reactions to driver actions.
The traction properties in turns, during longitudinal acceleration, are provided by the blocks adjacent to the central rib. They are made very wide, and their shape is chosen in such a way that when contacting the road surface, very long edges are formed, which the tire clings to well when accelerating and braking. At the same time, the transverse stability of the blocks provides it with traction when maneuvering.
New Studs
The Japanese predecessor used classic studs with a circular hard alloy insert. In the Firestone Ice Cruiser 7, these elements are made polygonal. This significantly increases the traction properties on ice, giving them additional stability. In this regard, it is also worth noting the polygonal shape of the stud anchors. It helps the steel elements maintain a vertical position when contacting the road, which ensures their operation with maximum efficiency.
Multifunctional Drainage Grooves
Some of the solutions used in the Japanese tire and proven effective were used here almost without changes. We are talking about the design of numerous drainage grooves. The transverse elements have a curved, expanding shape towards the edges of the tread. This significantly accelerates the removal of water from the contact patch, as well as its mixture with snow and dirt.
The longitudinal grooves have a zigzag shape. Thanks to the numerous protrusions formed by it, the tire receives additional elements that cling to the slippery, snowy road.
Another additional element of the drainage grooves is groups of small zigzag protrusions. Their functionality is to retain snow in the tread, which further enhances the traction properties on snowy roads.
Reinforced Sidewalls
Bridgestone is perhaps the only company in the world that tests its tires for strength by driving over calibrated concrete curbs. This model was tested in exactly the same way and demonstrated high sidewall strength. Their design was significantly reinforced with additional cord, which increased the stiffness and mechanical strength of this element of the tire's design. This feature provides high reliability and a long service life on poor roads.
Main Features:
- The V-shaped tread pattern from Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000 provides reliable traction on any winter roads;
- studs with a polygonal hard alloy insert provide more confident behavior on icy surfaces;
- multifunctional drainage grooves with various additional elements ensure stability in the most unfavorable road conditions;
- the reinforced sidewall design provides reliability and a long service life on poor roads.
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