When purchasing the Kumho Wintercraft WP51 winter passenger tire, it should be taken into account that it was specifically developed for European countries located near the Alps. This model demonstrates the highest efficiency in conditions of so-called "soft" winters, which are not particularly harsh.
Original V-shaped tread pattern of Kumho Wintercraft WP51
A significant part of the tire's efficiency on winter roads is ensured by a number of features of the tread pattern. Thanks to them, it has a very original V-shaped design. Its key feature is the structure of the central part, where the transverse blocks, converging exactly in the middle of the tread, form a longitudinal ridge of a continuous structure. This gives the tire several important qualities, the main ones being directional stability, handling responsiveness, and fuel efficiency.
Excellent longitudinal traction properties
Except for the center of the tread, the Kumho Wintercraft WP51 has other functional zones with a large number of very long transverse edges. Together with the significant height of the blocks and the distance between them, this design gives the tire excellent traction properties in the longitudinal direction.
Multifunctional drainage grooves
In addition to their main tasks, the tread's drainage system in motion has to perform a whole range of other functions. The main one is to provide additional traction on snow. This is achieved due to the zigzag shape of the longitudinal drainage grooves and the presence of many of their analogs in the form of a cross. With their help, a so-called "edge" effect is created, thanks to which the tread retains some of the snow, which, in turn, significantly improves traction on a snowy road.
"Three-dimensional" lamellas
The traction properties of the Kumho Wintercraft WP51 on rolled snow and ice are ensured by several thousand sharp edges formed by numerous lamellas cut into the tread blocks. Their number was significantly increased due to the "three-dimensional" design. The numerous protrusions and recesses on the lamella walls, when they come into contact with the road, allow not only to fix them in the open position but also to give the blocks additional stiffness. As a result, not only traction but also handling on hard surfaces is improved, becoming more reliable and predictable.
Increased efficiency at low temperatures
This model has become another tire from the South Korean manufacturer to receive the latest rubber compound. Compared to its predecessors, it is distinguished by its ability to maintain elasticity and integrity even at very low temperatures and significant loads. These properties are ensured by a higher silica content in the compound composition, as well as a whole range of new-generation polymer substances. They not only ensure the uniformity of the rubber compound but also the stability of traction characteristics, as well as the integrity of the tread, which is achieved by strengthening the molecular bonds between all components.
Main features:
- original V-shaped tread design with blocks converging into a continuous central ridge provides excellent performance on any winter roads;
- excellent longitudinal traction properties due to numerous very long transverse edges;
- excellent stability when cornering, stable behavior when accelerating and braking, thanks to wide rectangular blocks in the shoulder areas;
- three-dimensional lamellas form several thousand traction edges and also improve handling by limiting the longitudinal and transverse movement of the tread blocks;
- innovative compound composition gives the tire excellent performance even at very low temperatures due to increased silica content and special polymer compounds that ensure tread integrity by increasing its tear resistance;
- multifunctional drainage grooves not only provide excellent resistance to aquaplaning and slash-planning but also improve traction on snow, creating a so-called "edge" effect.
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