JAKARTA - Nokian has made history as a pioneer of winter tires since 1934. After decades of development, this Finnish manufacturer is now introducing innovations that sound like technology in science fiction films.
The latest product is claimed to be the world's first studded winter tire that automatically adapts to changes in temperature. The tire named Hakkapeliitta 01 is equipped with nails that can be automatically active and inactive, adjusting weather conditions without the need for driver intervention.
The idea is actually not new for the company. Nokian has been exploring the concept of retractable spikes since 2014. To bring it to the mass production stage, the company tested thousands of prototypes in various extreme conditions, from closed laboratories to testing in the Arctic Circle region.
The result is the development of an adaptive base layer that houses the stud or tire nail. When temperatures drop and the road surface freezes, this layer will push the nail out so that it still grips the ice optimally.
Conversely, when the temperature rises, the component softens and produces a smaller force on the nail. This condition makes the nail automatically go back into the tire so that the contact with the road surface becomes smoother.
Reported by Carscoops, Tuesday, March 3, that Hakkapeliitta 01 offers a number of improvements compared to the previous generation. Nokian claims that road wear can be reduced by up to 30 percent and noise levels are down one decibel.
In addition, the grip on ice increased by 10 percent, while traction on wet surfaces increased by about 5 percent. These tires are designed for various types of vehicles, ranging from passenger cars, crossovers, to sport utility vehicles (SUV). Hakkapeliitta 01 will be available in 122 sizes, ranging from 14 to 22 inches in diameter.
Its commercial launch is scheduled for this fall and production is carried out at Nokian's facility in Nokia, Finland. Although the official price tag has not been announced, this tire with adaptive technology is expected to be priced not cheap.
"We are developing a solution where the grip power adjusts automatically to the temperature, providing maximum safety when needed, and a more controlled and soft road contact when not needed," said Nokian Mikko Liukkula.
"This helps drivers take into account the increasingly difficult to predict winter weather, as well as navigate new regulations related to tire impact on the road," continued Mikko.
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