Кама 515

The Kama 515 winter passenger tire is one of the novelties of the leading domestic tire manufacturer. This model is produced in two sizes - 205/75R15 and 215/65R16. Such a range limits the applicability of the tire exclusively to vehicles with increased passability - SUVs and crossovers. At the same time, each of the two sizes can have two variants of execution - with studs and without studs. In all variants, the tire has a speed index Q, i.e. safety of movement is guaranteed up to 130 km/h.

Tread pattern design

Like most renowned manufacturers, the novelty of the domestic tire industry is equipped with a tread with a V-shaped directional pattern, which has proven its high efficiency in winter conditions. The Kama 515 tire tread has a very original appearance, characterized by the absence of brightly highlighted longitudinal ribs.

Due to the presence of a longitudinal drainage groove in the central part, the tread is divided into two equal parts, each with three rows of separate blocks. A distinctive feature of these tread blocks is their polygonal shape, with sharp corners and long curved edges. The large number of sharp edges, located in different directions, makes it possible to provide excellent acceleration efficiency on various types of coatings, especially on ice and snow. At the same time, the blocks located at the very edge of the tread are arranged almost at a right angle to the direction of movement. This has made it possible to significantly improve the braking efficiency on snowy and icy surfaces.

Another characteristic feature of the tread of this model is the small radius of the profile of the shoulder zones. This has made it possible to achieve a significant increase in the contact patch area, which has led to an improvement in the tire's characteristics when driving on dry roads cleared of snow. In addition, the small-radius profile has given the contact patch a rectangular shape, which has provided the tire with uniform tread wear due to the optimal distribution of pressure over the contact patch.

S-shaped lamellae

Since the Kama 515 tire is produced in various versions, including without studs, the domestic tire manufacturers tried to compensate for their absence with the help of S-shaped lamellae, which cover the entire tread. These lamellae, when in contact with the road surface, form a large number of additional sharp edges that can effectively grip even the micro-roughness on bare ice. In addition, the S-shaped lamellae have made it possible to significantly increase the stiffness of the tread blocks, which has led to an improvement in handling characteristics on asphalt. The fact is that at the moment of contact between the lamella and the road surface, its walls with an S-shaped profile are reliably fixed to each other, thereby increasing the structural stiffness of the tread block.

Effective drainage system

Another significant advantage of the V-shaped design of the tread pattern is its excellent resistance to aquaplaning and good self-cleaning properties of the tread. The presence of a large number of tread blocks separated by numerous channels has ensured the high efficiency of the drainage system. In addition, the sufficient distance between the blocks allows the tread to perfectly cope not only with the removal of water from the contact patch but also to effectively clean itself from the heavy mass of snow.

Main features of the domestic tire Kama 515

- The original V-shaped design of the symmetrical directional tread pattern provides reliable and stable traction in any road conditions;
- A large number of blocks forming numerous sharp edges provide excellent acceleration efficiency;
- The blocks of the shoulder zones of the tread are arranged at a right angle to the direction of movement, which significantly reduces the braking distance, especially on snow and ice;
- The small-radius profile of the shoulder zones provides a larger contact patch area of rectangular shape, due to which the tire demonstrates excellent traction on dry pavement and resistance to uneven tread wear;
- A multitude of S-shaped lamellae additionally form numerous gripping edges, thereby providing more reliable traction with slippery surfaces, without harming the stiffness of the tread blocks;
- The excellent performance of the drainage system allows for easy removal of water from the contact patch and also provides excellent self-cleaning properties of the tread.