The Yokohama Ice Guard SUV G075 winter tire was developed to replace the Geolandar I/T-S, a popular model that had some drawbacks. The most significant of these was the traction properties, which have been significantly improved in the new model. The use of the latest technologies and materials has allowed it to surpass its predecessor in most other ride qualities.

Universal drainage grooves

To a large extent, the traction on winter roads was improved due to the multifunctionality of the grooves that run between the blocks and ribs of the tread. In addition to drainage, these elements perform other functions. In particular, the longitudinal grooves of a zigzag shape, by providing the contact patch with additional edges, improve traction on icy surfaces. Moreover, such a design at the points of their intersection allows the tread to better grip the snowy surface, thanks to the ability to capture and hold snow.

High steering accuracy

Another advantage over the previous model is the increased steering accuracy. This parameter was also improved due to the peculiarities of the tread pattern design. A wide, unbroken rib runs along its center, which is resistant to deformation, as are the shoulder blocks. These elements provide faster transmission of transverse acceleration forces to the bearing elements of the carcass. As a result, the tire reacts almost instantly to the driver's actions, giving the steering process accuracy and clear feedback.

Lamellas in all zones of the tread

Compared to the previous model, the density of lamellation has been significantly increased. Miniature cuts are located a few millimeters apart, as are the resulting edges of the contact patch. This became possible thanks to the 3D construction of the lamellas. Such a design prevents them from closing under the influence of the vehicle's weight, and also limits the mobility of the blocks, which has a positive effect on handling and maneuverability on various types of surfaces.

Optimized rubber compound

Most of the traction properties on ice are provided not by the tread pattern design, but by some properties of the rubber compound. Its composition includes components that allow the tire to absorb moisture from the icy surface. Such "drying" of the contact patch ensures 100% use of all the possibilities of the tread. In addition, the compound includes special polymers. With their help, the tire literally sticks to the icy surface, maximally tightly fitting even the smallest irregularities. This property is preserved even at very low temperatures of the external environment. The effectiveness of the, in fact, new compound can be assessed by the test results. Compared to its predecessor, this model demonstrates a quarter less braking distance on ice.

Main features of Yokohama Ice Guard SUV G075

- universal grooves, due to their zigzag shape, provide not only more efficient drainage and cleaning of the contact patch from a mixture of water and snow, but also improved traction on snow;
- increased steering accuracy due to the rigidity of the shoulder blocks and the unbroken wide longitudinal rib in the center;
- high density of lamellation is ensured by the three-dimensional construction of the cuts, which fixes them in the open position when in contact with the road and limits the mobility of the blocks;
- a compound that absorbs water from the road surface and is elastic at very low temperatures