The Michelin X-Ice North 4 SUV winter tire is designed for crossovers and SUVs that rarely venture off paved roads. Structurally, it is a variant of the same-name "passenger" model. It differs from it in the size range and design adapted to the increased weight and high center of gravity of all-wheel drive vehicles. The operational properties of both tires are practically identical.
Increased number of studs
One of the key features of this model is the number of studs. The tread, depending on the width, contains at least 250 metal elements, distributed along at least 22 longitudinal and transverse lines. The installation sites are the result of the application of computer modeling technologies, which made it possible to find the ideal balance between traction properties and acoustic comfort. Around each stud on the tread, there are special "pockets" - zones with numerous protrusions that crush ice crumbs into smaller fractions. The stud body is fixed in the lower "rigid" layer of the tread, which reduces the risk of its loss.
Stable traction on asphalt and snow
The design of the tread pattern is characterized by paired and inclined arrangement of blocks. This solution increases the size of the contact patch, ensuring even distribution of pressure on it. As a result, the traction properties on asphalt and snow become more stable.
Reliability in the most difficult conditions
In the most difficult conditions, the tire demonstrates excellent reliability. To a large extent, it is due to the design of the carcass, in which an additional cord has appeared. On top of it, there is an additional layer of special material resistant to the effects of negative temperatures. It further enhances the level of sealing of the internal space of the tire in severe frosts.
Main features of Michelin X-Ice North 4 SUV
- increased number of studs and a scheme of their location calculated using computer modeling means ensures high stability of traction properties and acoustic comfort;
- special "pockets" around the studs crush ice crumbs;
- low risk of stud loss due to their fixation in the lower rigid layer of the tread;
- optimized block arrangement increases stability of traction on asphalt and snow, prevents uneven wear;
- reinforced carcass with an additional sealing layer ensures reliability at extremely low temperatures.
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