The new product is released in 56 sizes with a diameter of 13 to 20 inches, which means excellent applicability of this tire to most modern models of passenger cars. Like its predecessor, the new model is addressed to car owners who highly value handling, comfort, and safety.
Nokian Cryo Crystal
For the countries of Northern Europe and the northwestern region of Russia, winter is characterized by sharp changes in weather conditions. The new rubber compound Nokian Cryo Crystal provides reliable traction on any winter surface. The key feature of the new rubber compound is the smallest particles, the shape of which resembles a multi-faceted crystal. When in contact with the road surface, these particles literally "bite" into the ice, thereby improving traction. At the same time, the coupling characteristics remain at the initial level even when the tread pattern height reaches a minimum of 4 mm. This was achieved thanks to the modified technology for preparing the rubber compound, in which crystal particles are evenly distributed in it. In addition, the new rubber compound is characterized by a high content of silica, which made it possible to significantly expand the operating temperature range. As a result, the tire demonstrates excellent traction, both on icy and wet roads.
The inclusion of silica in the composition required ensuring optimal interaction between it and natural rubber, for which rapeseed oil was included in the rubber compound, which acts as a catalyst for cryogenic silane compounds at low temperatures. This technical solution made it possible to increase the amount of natural rubber, which works as a stabilizer in a wide temperature range, resulting in excellent elasticity of the tire.
As a result of natural tests, it was found that the new rubber compound allowed reducing the difference between studded and non-studded tires, especially when driving on ice.
New tread pattern
Another component of the ideal coupling and balance of the tire was the new tread pattern. Compared to its predecessor, the new product has an increased number of lamellas, which, in combination with a more aggressive tread design, significantly improved the coupling characteristics, especially on ice.
In addition to lamellas, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 tread is equipped with special teeth between the blocks, which create additional coupling edges, increasing the efficiency of braking and acceleration on ice and snow. The teeth are located in the shoulder areas of the tread, where the greatest load occurs during acceleration and braking, which allows them to more effectively penetrate the snowy slush. At the same time, the sufficiently large distance between the tread blocks prevents the tread from clogging with snow.
In addition to new solutions, this model uses old ones. In particular, pump lamellas, known from other friction tires of the Finnish company, were used. As in them, these tread elements are located in the shoulder areas of the tread and work on the principle of a pump, "pumping out" excess moisture from the contact patch. However, even here, there was no lack of innovation. In this tire, the pump lamellas have increased capacity, which allows them to divert more water, ensuring even better traction on wet roads.
Another borrowing was the built-in lamella amplifiers, located not only in the shoulder areas of the tread but also in its central part. Their main functional purpose is to provide more reliable traction with the road when the road surface characteristics change quickly. A wider lamella, when in contact with the surface, opens another, narrower lamella, as a result of which the contact patch receives an additional edge of traction, ensuring a more reliable contact between the tire and the road.
The central longitudinal rib of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 tire has undergone some changes. Now it is combined with a series of located tread blocks. This technical solution not only improved the directional stability but also ensured a more even distribution of external pressure over the contact patch. As a result, handling has become more reliable. In addition, the wear resistance of the tread has increased, since when installing tires on the driving axle, it is the central part that wears out faster.
It was for this model that a new multi-layered tread structure was developed. This made it possible to ensure excellent directional stability, regardless of weather conditions. In addition, handling has improved significantly, becoming very sensitive, which allows the driver to notice even minor changes in traction with the road, allowing them to take preventive measures in response to changes in the road situation.
Like many other tires from this Finnish manufacturer, this tire has a tread wear indicator - DSI. It is located in the already familiar place - in the central part of the tread and shows the remaining depth of its pattern in millimeters. The disappearance of the indicator in the form of a "snowflake" means that the tread wear has reached the limit values and the tire is no longer suitable for operation in winter conditions.
Main features of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 tire
- The Nokian Cryo Crystal rubber compound provides unparalleled traction for friction tires on any type of winter surface;
— The increased number of lamellas creates additional edges of traction, thanks to which a more reliable contact between the tire and the icy surface is ensured;
- Special pump lamellas significantly improve the performance of the drainage system;
- Teeth between tread blocks in the shoulder areas have increased the efficiency of acceleration and braking, especially on snow and ice;
- Lamella amplifiers create additional edges of traction, ensuring a higher level of safety when driving on slippery roads;
- The wear indicator allows determining the degree of suitability of the tire for further operation in winter conditions.
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