The winter non-studded tire Gislaved Euro Frost 5 is one of the novelties of one of the most respected manufacturers in our country. Like the tires of previous generations, this model is designed for the absolute majority of passenger cars, including city compacts and crossovers. The size range includes dozens of options with a wheel mounting diameter from 13 to 18 inches. Also impressive are the speed indices assigned to this tire - some of the size options are designed for speeds of up to 300 km/h (Y).
Optimized tread pattern design
The Swedish manufacturer remains true to the V-shaped design, which has largely become a classic among modern winter tires. As befits a new generation, the tire has received a tread pattern with an updated design.
One of the key features of the Gislaved Euro Frost 5 tread pattern is the significant increase in traction edges. Like before, it consists of four longitudinal ribs, but each of them consists of smaller tread blocks. Additionally, the novelty is distinguished by a more dense arrangement of wavy lamellas, which also form a multitude of additional traction edges. According to the results of independent tests, this tire is only slightly inferior to its studded analogs in terms of traction properties on icy surfaces, while doing without the multitude of steel studs.
As for the effectiveness on snowy surfaces, the Swedish tire manufacturers have also managed to improve almost all indicators. The small size of the tread blocks made it possible to place them at a significantly greater distance from each other. This allowed the tread to capture significantly more snow and then quickly release it, which significantly improved the handling characteristics on snow.
A large number of lamellas
As mentioned earlier, one of the key features of this model is the increased number of lamellas. These tread elements are arranged at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the axis of rotation of the wheel. Such a scheme, in combination with a large number of these tread elements, makes it possible to provide excellent efficiency, both when accelerating and braking, especially on snow and ice. At the same time, the lamellas, due to their zigzag shape and large extent, contribute to the increase in the rigidity of the blocks, which significantly improved the handling on dry, snow- and ice-free roads.
Long service life
Unlike most competitors, this model has only four longitudinal ribs. Such a technical solution is more often expected to be seen on tires designed for commercial vehicles. However, its application is due to the same reasons, namely the desire to ensure a long service life. The fact is that reducing the number of tread ribs makes it possible to increase the size of each of them, which, in turn, leads to an increase in the contact patch area and a more even distribution of the load on it. Thanks to the latter circumstance, high resistance to the occurrence of such a negative phenomenon as uneven tread wear is ensured. In addition, this ability is contributed by the V-shaped tread pattern design in no small measure.
Longitudinal lamellas
For approximately the same purposes, the Swedish tire manufacturers have equipped the tread with a multitude of longitudinal lamellas of a zigzag shape. These elements divide the blocks of the central part of the Gislaved Euro Frost 5 tread and its shoulder zones into two parts, which further contributes to the even distribution of the external load on the contact patch. As a result, not only even wear but also a soft ride is ensured, which has always favorably distinguished these Swedish tires from most competitors.
Main features of the Gislaved Euro Frost 5 tire
- The V-shaped design of the directed symmetric tread pattern is optimized primarily for winter operation in urban conditions;
- The large volume of the drainage system's grooves perfectly copes with the removal of not only water but also heavy snow slush from the contact patch, which provides excellent resistance to aquaplaning and slushplaning;
- The increased number of transverse lamellas of a zigzag shape allows for confident movement on icy surfaces, demonstrating high efficiency of acceleration and braking, as well as providing excellent handling on dry pavement;
- The small size of the tread blocks made it possible to increase their number, which, in turn, led to an improvement in traction with a slippery surface;
- Longitudinal zigzag lamellas, dividing the tread blocks into several parts, provide a more even distribution of external pressure on the contact patch, as well as softness and comfort of the ride.
