The non-studded Hankook W606 Winter I cept IZ tire was initially designed for the Japanese market, but has recently been offered to domestic car enthusiasts as well. The main target audience for this novelty from the South Korean manufacturer are the owners of most modern models of passenger cars. The size range of this model is measured in many dozens of sizes for wheels with a landing diameter from 12 to 17 inches.
3D-lamellas
To provide the tire with reliable and stable traction on icy surfaces, the South Korean tire makers equipped it with a tread featuring a multitude of zigzag-shaped 3D-lamellas. When in contact with the road surface, these tread elements create a multitude of additional edges, the sharp edges of which easily penetrate the water film, clinging even to the smallest irregularities. When in contact with the road, the walls of the lamellas, thanks to their curved shape, are tightly fixed to each other, which significantly increases the stiffness of the block. As a result of such devices, stable and reliable handling was achieved when moving not only on ice and compacted snow but also on dry, ice-free asphalt.
New rubber compound composition
One of the key innovations in the composition of the rubber compound was the use of special high-strength fibers, which increased the resistance of the Hankook W606 Winter i cept IZ tread to rupture. As a result, it was possible to significantly improve the traction characteristics, especially on slippery winter surfaces. In addition, the distribution of external pressure across the contact patch was improved, which reduced the likelihood of uneven wear.
Original shoulder area design
The shoulder areas of the tread feature two additional rows of massive rectangular blocks, the surface of which features a multitude of 3D-lamellas. When in contact, they self-block, which increases the stiffness of the blocks. This leads to increased stability, both when driving in a straight line and when making sharp maneuvers. In addition, the walls of the blocks in the shoulder areas have a stepped shape, which helps to increase the traction properties when driving on fresh or compacted snow.
Key features of the Hankook W606 Winter i cept IZ tire
- The original design of the symmetrical non-directional tread pattern allows for safe movement on any winter roads;
- A multitude of massive blocks forming 5 longitudinal ribs provide excellent directional stability and superior handling regardless of road surface characteristics;
- Three-dimensional zigzag-shaped lamellas create additional sharp edges of traction, which fully compensate for the lack of studs when driving on ice;
- The special shape of the 3D-lamella walls ensures their tight fixation to each other, which increases the stiffness of the tread blocks, thereby improving handling on compacted snow, ice, and asphalt.
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