The first winter tire marks its 90th anniversary

This autumn, Nokian Tyres, considered the inventor of winter tires, celebrates the 90th anniversary of the first winter tire model, introduced in 1934 and named Kelirengas.

According to Nokian, the reason for the development was the harsh conditions of the Finnish winter, and before the premiere of Kelirengas, there were no tires suitable for winter driving, and chains were required to ensure traction.

Keligngas had a coarse tread pattern that increased traction, while the open shoulder areas allowed for quick self-cleaning from snow. The first tire was designed primarily for trucks, and in 1936, an improved version was introduced specifically for use on passenger cars, named Lumi-Hakkapeliitta (Lumi means "snow"). As the number of cars increased and roads were better cleared, the requirements for traction on slippery surfaces grew, and the tire received small "suckers" that prevented slipping on ice, then, in the early 1960s, studs began to be used, and now Hakkapeliitta remains one of the most well-known brands on the winter tire market. The technologies, of course, have become much more advanced, and the production of modern winter tires by Nokian uses around 100 types of materials, approximately three times more than in the 1930s, and this list includes both recycled and renewable materials.

"The winter tire has taught us that we can increase safety by anticipating the challenges we may face," says Teemu Soini, Nokian's Vice President of Innovation and Development. "Over 90 years, weather conditions have changed, new materials have appeared, and during product development, the emphasis is increasingly being placed on creating more and more environmentally friendly tires."

Now, during the development of winter tires, Nokian relies on the experience gained over the decades, and real-world tests, which are conducted, for example, at the test track in Finnish Lapland, should guarantee a high level in any conditions.

"Different conditions require different types of tires, as the weather varies significantly depending on the region," noted Marko Saari, Nokian's Vice President of Product Management. "In Central Europe, it rains more often in winter, and in Scandinavia, the roads are covered with snow and ice. For this reason, Nokian Tyres adapts winter tires to the conditions of the region for which they are intended."

The characteristics of winter tires are also influenced by the development of the automotive industry. "Tires for electric vehicles must withstand the increased loads caused by the additional weight of batteries, as well as respond instantly to the impact of high torque," explains Saari. "All our products provide the necessary safety, regardless of the car you drive, and testing still plays a key role in ensuring that the tire characteristics meet the requirements of modern motorists."

After Nokian's departure from Russia, winter tires for Scandinavia and North America are produced in Finland, while tires for Central Europe will be produced at a new plant in Romania.