New Winter Tires Bridgestone Blizzak SI-12
21 november 2012
The Japanese corporation Bridgestone has recently introduced new friction winter tires Blizzak SI-12 to the consumer market. In developing these tires, the primary focus was on achieving maximum ice grip characteristics. Hence the name of the tires, which stands for SpeciallIce 2012.
The main task set before the developers is excellently handled by the "octagonal" tread pattern with a microporous layer. It improves ice grip and also absorbs moisture, thereby reducing the braking distance. At the same time, the original development is the interchangeability of pores, i.e., as the pores wear out, new ones will appear in their place. Thus, the tire does not lose its characteristics throughout its entire service life.
The improved grip is also ensured by the original tire relief, which has special irregularities. Another innovation, according to Bridgestone engineers, is the more compact arrangement of tread blocks. This eliminated the risk of skidding on ice.
The design of the tread pattern of the novelty is asymmetrical. On its sides, there are grooves that provide water drainage and prevent aquaplaning and slash planning.
Thanks to all the above-mentioned innovations, Bridgestone assures, it was finally possible to cope with the main drawback of all non-studded tires, namely, insufficient grip on icy surfaces.
In their assessments, the developers rely on numbers. In particular, test trials have shown that Blizzak SI-12 surpasses Blizzak Revo GZ in terms of ice grip by 19%, and acceleration from 5 to 15 km/h is 12% faster. Also, the new product is 12% better than its predecessor on turns.
To be fair, it's worth noting that the improvement in driving on ice came at the expense of driving qualities on dry and wet roads. This is expressed in relatively high rolling resistance and reduced tire life.
The main task set before the developers is excellently handled by the "octagonal" tread pattern with a microporous layer. It improves ice grip and also absorbs moisture, thereby reducing the braking distance. At the same time, the original development is the interchangeability of pores, i.e., as the pores wear out, new ones will appear in their place. Thus, the tire does not lose its characteristics throughout its entire service life.
The improved grip is also ensured by the original tire relief, which has special irregularities. Another innovation, according to Bridgestone engineers, is the more compact arrangement of tread blocks. This eliminated the risk of skidding on ice.
The design of the tread pattern of the novelty is asymmetrical. On its sides, there are grooves that provide water drainage and prevent aquaplaning and slash planning.
Thanks to all the above-mentioned innovations, Bridgestone assures, it was finally possible to cope with the main drawback of all non-studded tires, namely, insufficient grip on icy surfaces.
In their assessments, the developers rely on numbers. In particular, test trials have shown that Blizzak SI-12 surpasses Blizzak Revo GZ in terms of ice grip by 19%, and acceleration from 5 to 15 km/h is 12% faster. Also, the new product is 12% better than its predecessor on turns.
To be fair, it's worth noting that the improvement in driving on ice came at the expense of driving qualities on dry and wet roads. This is expressed in relatively high rolling resistance and reduced tire life.