The Toyo Observe GSI5 winter non-studded passenger tire, produced by one of the leaders of the Japanese tire industry, is designed for the vast majority of modern passenger cars, including SUVs, crossovers, and pickups. This is evident from the extremely wide range of sizes, which includes more than fifty options, starting from 13 inches and ending with 20 inches.
The tread of this model features a calm design of a V-shaped symmetrical directional tread pattern, consisting of five main functional elements - three central ribs and a pair of shoulder zones. This structure provides optimal acceleration and braking efficiency, especially on slippery surfaces.
In the creation of the Toyo Observe GSI5 tire, the Microbit technology was widely applied, which, in turn, consists of a whole range of advanced technological solutions. The use of walnut shell particles in the rubber compound has significantly improved traction and braking efficiency, both when driving on snow and on ice. This is achieved due to the formation of thousands of additional small spikes that effectively grip even very slippery surfaces. Walnut shell was chosen because it is one of the hardest natural substances.
Another component of the Microbit technology is a rubber compound with an increased content of siliceous component - silica - compared to conventional winter tires. This has significantly improved the elasticity of the tire even at very low ambient temperatures. Additionally, traction and braking efficiency on wet roads have increased, as well as the durability of the tread. Another new component of the rubber compound is bamboo carbon powder, which is used as an absorbent that absorbs the water film that forms when driving on ice. This also had a positive effect on traction on slippery surfaces.
Another component of the Microbit technology is the serrated edges of the tread blocks and special lamellas, which provide reliable traction with snowy and icy roads in all directions.
During the development of the tread of this model, the Spider Sipe technology was used. As part of it, a multitude of lamellas were placed on the surface of the tread blocks, which, by their configuration and arrangement, formed a pattern resembling a spider. This solution is also aimed at providing maximum traction when the car accelerates, brakes, or turns on a slippery surface.
The First Edge Sipe technology is designed to improve traction during the run-in period of the tire. This technical solution is embodied in the form of special lamellas located on the surface of the tread blocks.
The main purpose of the Arrow Lift technology is to provide more reliable behavior when overcoming sections covered with deep snow. The practical implementation of this technological solution is a special structure of the shoulder zones of the tread, the lateral side of the blocks of which resembles an arrowhead.
Main features of Toyo Observe GSI5
- The rubber compound contains bamboo carbon powder, which is used as an absorbent that effectively removes water from the contact patch when driving on ice, providing more reliable traction on icy surfaces;
- The use of walnut shell micro-particles in the rubber compound forms thousands of tiny spikes that effectively grip even bare ice;
- The central longitudinal rib, formed by mutually directed lamellas, provides excellent directional stability and stable traction with a slippery surface during any maneuver;
- The Arrow Lift technology, implying a special structure of the shoulder zone tread blocks, allows for more confident overcoming of difficult sections;
- The spider-like lamellas used in the Spider Sipe technology improve traction when cornering, as well as increase the efficiency of acceleration and braking in any conditions.
