Description Nokian WR G2
The Nokian WR G2 non-studded winter tire was specifically designed for the conditions of mild European winters, which are characterized by variable weather with frequent temperature transitions from positive to negative values and vice versa. The main problem in such road conditions is the removal of not only water but also snowy slush from the contact patch, which seriously reduces the level of traffic safety. This model, produced by one of the leaders of the global tire industry, can be used on most modern models of passenger cars, as it is produced in more than 50 different sizes with a mounting diameter from 13 to 20 inches. At the same time, the Nokian WRG2 tire has excellent technical characteristics, which is confirmed by the assigned speed indices T, H, V, and W, which is very good for a winter model.
Tread design
The Finnish tire engineers faced a challenging task of ensuring high operational performance in the most diverse road conditions. Therefore, the tread of this model was equipped with an asymmetric directional pattern. A characteristic feature of such a design is the different tread pattern of the outer and inner shoulder zones.
Innovative stabilizer
Considering the possibility of operating the tire on a snowy surface, its tread was equipped with numerous blocks, which provide reliable traction on snow. However, on a dry, snow-free surface, a large number of blocks results in a decrease in the main handling characteristics. This is due to the fact that the block structure of the tread cannot provide the necessary degree of constructive rigidity. To reduce the impact of this effect, the tread was equipped with special stiffness ribs, which formed additional connections between the tread blocks, reducing their amplitude of oscillations.
Several types of lamellas
Since the Nokian WR G2 tire is designed for use in the most diverse conditions, its developers had to resort to a number of tricks that allow for high operational characteristics. One of these technical tricks was several types of lamellas, each of which is designed to perform a specific set of tasks.
The longitudinal rib located between the shoulder zones of the tread consists of separate rectangular blocks. To ensure high efficiency of acceleration and braking on various types of surfaces, especially on wet and snowy roads, special three-dimensional self-locking lamellas were placed on the surface of the blocks. The walls of these lamellas are designed in such a way that when the block comes into contact with the road surface, they are tightly fixed to each other. This makes the block more rigid, which improves the stability of its shape in the transverse and longitudinal direction and leads to an increase in traction with a dry surface. On a snowy and icy surface, these lamellas form additional sharp edges that provide additional traction with the road surface.
On the surface of the shoulder zones of the tread, there are so-called "lamellas-wipers" designed for more efficient water removal from the contact patch. Unlike the self-locking zigzag lamellas described above, these lamellas are made straight and longer. The principle of operation of the straight lamellas is most similar to the action of car windshield wipers, wiping water from the surface of the windshield.
"Anti-slush" edge
The shoulder zone located on the inner side of the tread has an original sharply beveled profile, called by the manufacturer the "anti-slush" edge. This design solution is aimed at increasing the efficiency of removing snowy slush from the contact patch. Such a beveled profile of the inner shoulder of the asymmetric pattern more effectively pushes out the heavy mixture of water and snow. At the same time, the "anti-slush" edge significantly improves the speed of removing water and snowy slush from the contact patch, which is directed outward through the polished transverse drainage channels.
Main features of the Nokian WR G2 tire:
- Phenomenal resistance to slushplaning is provided by the original design of the drainage system and the special "anti-slush" edge, which is equipped with the inner shoulder of the asymmetric pattern;
- Asymmetric design of the directional tread pattern, providing excellent traction and excellent handling, both on wet, snowy, and icy surfaces, and on dry roads;
- The rubber compound based on silica and natural rapeseed oil improves the elasticity of the tire at low temperatures, the resistance of the tread to wear, punctures, and cuts.