The winter non-studded tire Vredestein Wintrac Xtreme S, like its predecessor without the S prefix in the name, is designed for the widest range of modern passenger cars. At the same time, it is more suitable for operation at low temperatures not only on snowy, but also on icy surfaces.
Tread developed in conjunction with Guigairo
Like many other winter tires, the symmetrical directional tread pattern is the result of close cooperation with the Italian design studio Guigairo. However, this time it has undergone significant changes. First of all, this concerns the structure of the central part, which represents a very wide longitudinal rib. It consists of many separate blocks, located at a significant angle to the direction of movement, thus forming a tapered structure of the central part.
Thanks to this solution, the Dutch and Italian specialists were able to give the tire a number of important qualities. First of all, this is excellent directional stability, especially on slippery roads, as well as very fast response to steering movements, for which you can thank the high rigidity of the central part of the tread to dynamic deformations.
In addition, it is worth noting the excellent traction properties. They were achieved due to the direction of the edges of the tapered blocks of the central part of the tread.
Internal Sipe Locking technology
This winter model Vredestein Wintrac Xtreme S is one of the first to feature the Internal Sipe Locking technology. It is a very simple, but at the same time, a very elegant solution that allowed to maximally tightly fix the walls of the lamellas between themselves. As a result, it was possible not only to increase their resistance to deformation but also to significantly increase their number. This led to the fact that the tire's contact patch at any given time has a significantly larger number of edges, which allowed to significantly improve the grip on ice.
At the same time, the Dutch tire manufacturers equipped the tire with lamellas of two different types - straight and zigzag. Straight lamellas are located in the central part of the tread and are designed to provide traction on snow and ice.
As for their zigzag counterparts, they are located exclusively in the shoulder zones. Their "sphere of responsibility" includes ensuring stability when cornering or making sharp maneuvers.
Improved compound
In contrast to the previous model, Wintrac Extreme S received a rubber compound, the composition of which was changed so much that it's time to talk about a new compound. Its composition includes an improved polymer mixture, which significantly improved the operational qualities of the tire, first of all, the grip with any winter surface. In addition, the rubber compound of this model features a new generation of silane, which significantly improved the tread's resistance to abrasive wear.
Key features of the Vredestein Wintrac Xtreme S tire
- innovative Internal Sipe Locking technology - straight lamellas in the central part provide traction properties and a short braking distance on snow and ice, and zigzag lamellas in the shoulder zones allow confident maneuvering on slippery surfaces;
- a wide central part, representing a single solid element, provides not only excellent traction but also precise handling in any conditions;
- an improved rubber compound composition, including the latest components, has significantly improved the tire's operational qualities, including its resistance to abrasive wear;
- two wide drainage grooves, separating the central part of the tread from its shoulder zones, provide the tire with excellent resistance to both aquaplaning and slushplaning;
- a symmetrical directional tread pattern, developed in conjunction with the Gugiaro design studio, allows confident movement on any winter roads.