The Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSi winter tire has replaced the Hakkapeliitta Q model, which has been a top-rated tire in numerous tests by both domestic and foreign automotive publications for many years. This tire, like its predecessor, was specifically designed for operation in the harsh winter conditions of Scandinavian countries and Russia. This model was produced in more than three dozen sizes with fitment sizes ranging from 13 to 18 inches. At the same time, the tire had modifications with RunFlat technology in some sizes.
Tread pattern design
This model features a tread with a V-shaped design of a symmetrical directional tread pattern, many of whose solutions were borrowed from another very successful Hakkapeliitta 4 tire. The new tread design provides the Nokian RSi tire with more confident acceleration, effective braking, and directional stability. When the tire skids, this process can be easily controlled. In addition, the tire's response to steering wheel turns has improved significantly, bringing lightning-fast and clear handling to the driving process. This tire is one of the few that can move a car from a standstill on a 10% ice-covered slope.
Such impressive operational characteristics were achieved thanks to the improved design of the symmetrical directional tread pattern. Like the Hakkapelitta 4, the tread of this model features a central part consisting of massive arrow-shaped blocks. This block shape contributes to more efficient acceleration on snowy and icy surfaces, as the central part of the tread is mainly engaged in this mode of movement.
The blocks located in the shoulder areas of the tread are arranged at a right angle to the direction of movement. Since the shoulder areas of the tread work more during braking, this solution allows for a significant improvement in braking efficiency. In addition, the block structure of the shoulder blocks has significantly expanded the tire's capabilities for overcoming sections with deep snow, as the blocks work in such conditions like off-road tires' traction devices.
However, the key feature of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSi tire's shoulder block design is the sidewall with serrated edges. Compared to the Hakkapeliitta Q model, this improvement allowed the area of the shoulder blocks to be increased by almost half. At the same time, the serrated edges of the shoulder areas during braking more effectively grip the road surface due to the appearance of sharp edges.
Climbing lamellae
Unlike its predecessor, the tread of this model features an increased number of S-shaped lamellae. The main design feature of these tread elements is the way they are cut at a sharp angle. This technology has significantly increased the stiffness of the tread blocks, which ultimately made it possible to significantly increase their number. Thanks to this, it was possible to eliminate one of the main drawbacks of the previous model, namely the mediocre traction on hard and clean surfaces, such as asphalt. At the same time, the increase in the number of S-shaped lamellae made it possible to obtain a large number of sharp edges, which significantly improved traction on snow and ice.
Original rubber compound composition
This tire was one of the first models to use a new rubber compound developed by the Finnish manufacturer, which includes natural rapeseed oil and silica. Natural rapeseed oil made it possible to avoid using hazardous to health carcinogenic high-aromatic hydrocarbons. However, the new rubber compound composition not only improved the tire's environmental safety but also its main operational characteristics. In particular, thanks to the new rubber compound composition, the tire demonstrates rolling resistance indicators that surpass many models of summer tires.
Key features of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSi winter tire
- Optimized V-shaped design of the symmetrical directional tread pattern provides excellent traction on various types of surfaces, especially on snow and ice;
- Innovative climbing lamellae made it possible to equip the tread with an increased number of S-shaped lamellae, which significantly improved traction on snow and ice, compensating for the lack of studs;
- Serrated sidewalls of the tread blocks in the shoulder areas literally dig into the snow and ice during braking, reducing the stopping distance;
- Arrow-shaped blocks in the central part of the tread significantly improved acceleration efficiency, especially on slippery surfaces;
- Digital wear indicators in the central part of the tread allow you to visually determine the degree of wear;
- The Mudstopper sealing ring prevents snow and dirt from entering the space between the tire's sidewall and the wheel disk;
- Low-profile versions of the tire are equipped with special protrusions on the sidewall designed to protect the wheel disk from damage.
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