Like its predecessor, the winter studded tire Nokian Hakkapeliitta C3 is designed for small commercial vehicles. Since it is a novelty of this season, it has almost all the latest developments of the Finnish tire giant, from the "trademark" V-shaped tread pattern to several rubber compound compositions.

In addition, it is impossible not to note the traditional for Nokian meticulous approach to forming a size range. In this case, it includes 20 sizes for wheels with a landing diameter from 14 to 17 inches.

Square studs

One of the innovations of this tire was the studs, or rather their shape. Their main difference is that the body of the stud, its flange and rigid steel core have a quadrangular shape. At the same time, the wide base allows the stud to be reliably fixed in the tread, thereby providing more reliable traction on ice. In addition, it is impossible not to note the optimized location of each stud, which made it possible to significantly reduce the noise level.

Symmetrical directional tread pattern

Another characteristic feature of this model is the "trademark" V-shaped tread pattern for Nokian winter tires, which is maximally saturated with traction edges. A significant part of them is formed by numerous blocks that differ in both massive sizes and arrangement at a significant angle to the direction of movement. In combination with a large distance between them, this layout improves handling, both on dry, snow-cleared roads and on snowy and icy roads.

In addition, it is impossible not to note the large contact patch sizes, which remain unchanged regardless of the characteristics of the road surface and driving mode. Thanks to this, the tire demonstrates balanced behavior, differing in this respect with the same reactions to snow, ice and slush, which is very important for such heavy vehicles as minivans.

Excellent durability

The next distinctive feature of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta C3 tire is the reinforced construction. In particular, Finnish tire manufacturers used a two-layer steel breaker layer to increase strength. At the same time, its edges were treated with rubber strips, which firmly attached it to the tire carcass.

The carcass of this model is an elastic, but at the same time very durable steel cord. The use of special winding technologies and modern materials made it possible to preserve the tire's original characteristics even after large mileage. In addition, the increase in strength made it possible to significantly reduce rolling resistance, and with it, fuel consumption.

More wear-resistant and economical rubber compound

As you know, a significant part of the tire's traction properties is provided by the rubber compound. It was this component, or rather its characteristics, that was given special attention when developing this model. Since this model was initially designed for intensive use, Finnish tire manufacturers tried to adapt it as much as possible.

To do this, they made the tread two-layer. The lower layer is made of a more rigid rubber compound, which made it possible to reduce rolling resistance, improve the even distribution of external weight on the contact patch, and also improve handling. In turn, the upper layer has increased elasticity, thanks to which the tread better adapts to unevenness on the road surface, which increases traction with it. At the same time, the presence of rapeseed oil in the rubber compound made it possible to improve the durability of the tread on break.

The sidewall of the tire has a slightly different rubber compound composition. Due to this, it better adapts to the wheel rim. This, in turn, allows the tire to more easily withstand operation with high loads. In addition, the soft sidewalls significantly reduce the level of resonant noise and vibrations, making any trip more comfortable.

Wear and pressure indicators

Since this model is a Nokian winter tire, it has a DSI wear indicator on its tread. It shows the remaining depth of the tread pattern in millimeters. In addition, it has a WSI snowflake indicator, after which the tire can only be used in summer.

Another information section is located on the sidewall of the tire. It is intended for fixing the place of its installation and the correct pressure in it. In addition, the provided section is enough to indicate the moment of tightening the bolts.

Main features of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta C3 tire

- a lot of quadrangular studs in combination with an optimized arrangement scheme provide excellent traction on ice throughout the entire service life;
- the original V-shaped directional tread pattern is optimized for operation in winter on commercial vehicles;
- two rubber compound compositions of the tread provide balanced behavior on any winter surface;
- excellent durability, thanks to a double steel breaker layer with edges treated with rubber strips;
- a special rubber compound of the tire sidewall provides more reliable fixation on the wheel rim, reducing noise and vibration at the same time.