The Michelin X-Ice North 4 winter tire is a replacement for the same-name model of the 3rd generation, which was able to stay on the market for 5 years. Most of this time, Finnish tire manufacturers were engaged in developing a new tire, which was created "from scratch". This allowed it to surpass the popular predecessor in all major operational properties.
Increased number of studs
One of the key innovations was the increase in the number of studs. Depending on the size, there are now at least 250 of them, compared to 96 in the previous model. The scheme of arrangement of steel elements is such that they form 22 lines, both in the longitudinal and transverse direction. This solution made it possible to significantly improve the grip properties on rolled snow and icy surfaces. At the same time, computer modeling applied in the development of the stud arrangement scheme provides a comfortable level of noise when the studs come into contact with the road.
The studs themselves have also changed. The composition of the alloy of the insert that directly contacts the road surface is based on iron. This solution provides the same wear rate for this element and the tread part of the tire. The shape of the hard alloy insert is borrowed from winter rally tires. It is conical with a small protrusion at the top. When cornering, the stud, tilting, catches on the surface, penetrating it to a greater depth. As a result, the effectiveness of the tire when accelerating and braking is improved. The effect is multiplied by the increased number of studs in the contact patch, which is more than twice as large.
New tread pattern
The design of the tread is V-shaped. It is distinguished by a reduced number of blocks, which have become significantly larger than before. At the same time, the arrow-shaped arrangement of the elements provides the formation of very long edges. The effectiveness of their work on winter surfaces has been significantly improved thanks to new 3D lamellas.
Another innovation in the design of the tread pattern is the increase in the size of the drainage grooves. These elements have a curved, expanding shape towards the edges of the tread. Together with their inclination and direction against the movement, this significantly improves resistance to aquaplaning and slushplaning. In addition, it is worth noting the presence of cross-shaped grooves that enhance traction on snowy surfaces by picking up and holding snow from the surface.
Main features of Michelin X-Ice North 4
- 250 studs form 22 longitudinal and transverse rows;
- a new stud design, borrowed from rally tires, improves longitudinal traction on ice;
- a hard alloy insert based on iron wears out at the same rate as the tread;
- a new V-shaped tread pattern with massive arrow-shaped blocks in the center;
- increased drainage groove size enhances resistance to aquaplaning and slushplaning.
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