Hankook introduced a new all-weather tire
Hankook launches a new line of all-weather tires, Weatherflex, on the North American market, with the first model being the passenger tire Hankook Weatherflex GT, which features the 3PMSF (three-peak mountain snowflake) symbol and is designed to provide high traction on both dry and wet asphalt, as well as on snow.
"Our all-weather tire lineup is characterized by increased innovation, and the Weatherflex GT is one of our technologically advanced tires that reliably works in any conditions throughout the year," said Rob Williams, president of Hankook's American division. "This is an ideal option for those who live in regions with both mild and harsh winters and would like to conveniently abandon seasonal tire changes."
Hankook has been releasing all-season tires since 2008, with the first being the Hankook Optimo S, followed by the Kinergy 4S in 2015 (whose tread pattern, with some changes, was also used for the new tire), which was homologated by several automakers, and the Kinergy 4S 2 in 2018 (Hankook currently also offers a range of other all-season tires, including those developed specifically for electric vehicles).
The Weatherflex GT tires are made from a new rubber compound with an increased proportion of silica dioxide and special resins, which, according to the manufacturer, has improved traction on wet and dry roads, while the improved silica dispersion has increased wear resistance. Additionally, the more even distribution of pressure in the contact area has also improved the ride comfort of the tires.
The tread pattern includes densely spaced lamellas (the number of which has been increased in both the central and shoulder zones), which improve traction on snow, while the zigzagging grooves improve lateral stability on snowy surfaces, as they contact it at various angles.
The width of the transverse channels has been increased to accelerate water drainage, while the sloping edges of the blocks increase their stiffness under load, improving handling, and this is also contributed to by the interlocking wavy 3D lamellas, which reduce the mobility of the tread lugs.
Compared to the Kinergy 4S, the block arrangement scheme has also been changed, which has allowed reducing the noise generated during the tire's contact with the road.
In addition, the optimized multi-step tread pattern also improves acoustic comfort.
The Hankook Weatherflex GT tires were introduced on the American market in 37 sizes, from 225/60 R16 to 275/55 R20, which means the tires are designed for a wide range of vehicles, from compact to large-sized.