Nokian Weatherproof All-Weather tyres – safe year-round driving comfort
Press release
25th February 2015
Proper winter grip, reliable performance
Nokian Weatherproof All-Weather tyres – safe year-round driving comfort
The new high-performance Nokian Weatherproof family of winter tyres will put an end to the tyre change roulette that bothers drivers each spring and autumn. These top examples of Nokian Tyres' revolutionary All-Weather concept combine reliable winter safety with the precise driving stability and firm handling of the Nokian summer tyres. Top-notch innovations from the world's northernmost tyre manufacturer ensure that the Nokian Weatherproof tyre range offers comfortable driving during all seasons.
The multi-talented Nokian Weatherproof product family is designed for drivers who require a safe option for the snow and slush but who also want to drive efficiently and effortlessly in the summer. The Nokian Weatherproof product family offers durable performance for Central European roads and streets, and it offers sizes for modern passenger cars, SUVs and vans alike. All of the sizes have the Snowflake symbol (3PMSF), which indicates that the tyres have been officially approved for winter use.
The comprehensive size selection for passenger cars ranges all the way from 13 inches up to 18 inches. The range that is tailored for heavier SUV use covers sizes from 16 to 18 inches The speed ratings for this modern product family designed for year-round use are T, H and V. A significant portion of the sizes is marked XL for the highest possible load capacity. The range for delivery vehicles and vans covers sizes from 14 to 16 inches (speed index N, R and T). The size selection of this new Nokian Weatherproof C has different tread models for larger vehicles and lighter loads.
The new Nokian Weatherproof family offers one of the most extensive product range on the market for All-Weather segment. The Nokian Weatherproof will be available at tyre retailers in the autumn of 2015. The most important market area for the new products will be Central Europe.
Safe in the winter, precise in the summer
The successful Nokian All-Weather concept from the world's northernmost tyre manufacturer is now being extended into the European market. The core of the concept is to offer a functional solution for drivers who want to say goodbye to the seasonal tyre changes but still want the best possible protection for snowy, slushy and rainy roads on every day of the year.
Nokian Tyres' expertise in tyre structure and rubber compounds can be seen and felt in the new product family. The innovative product development also required thousands of hours of testing at the test track of the world's northernmost tyre manufacturer in Ivalo, north of the Arctic Circle. The excellent summer characteristics received their final form after the Nokian Weatherproof underwent a strict testing programme on the high-speed tracks in Germany and Spain.
- The versatile Nokian Weatherproof is a winter tyre with excellent grip characteristics. At the same time, it is also a summer tyre that rolls precisely during hot summer conditions. According to our tests, the Nokian Weatherproof product family is much safer and more versatile than the typical all-season tyres. The snowflake symbol also indicates that the tyre is suitable and officially approved for winter use, says Product Development Manager Olli Seppälä from Nokian Tyres.
Centre Block Channeling - Excellent grip on snow, effective slushplaning prevention
Every millimetre on the aggressive tread pattern of the durable and high-performance Nokian Weatherproof has a specific role. The steep surface geometry of the centre area, with its large tread blocks, has been carefully optimised to ensure excellent grip on snowy and wet roads. The axe-like V-shaped tread blocks firmly grip the snowy road. The heavy siping and the grading of the tread blocks add more gripping edges and further improve grip. The wedge-like rises between the centre and shoulder blocks strengthen the precise steering feel and the thoroughly tested, excellent grip on snow.
The deep and open channels on the centre blocks (Centre Block Channeling) increase grip under extreme winter conditions. The channels also operate at full power under wet conditions. They effectively push slush and water away from between the tyre and the road, which effectively prevents slushplaning and aquaplaning. The excellent aquaplaning properties are rounded off by the stylish polished grooves that accelerate the removal of water and slush.
Driving stability, grip and durability regardless of the temperature
Tests show that the Nokian Weatherproof rolls lightly and precisely even on sun-scorched dry asphalt. The stiff shoulder blocks offer driving stability even at high speeds and ensure, for their part, that the new product will stop easily and quickly even on rain-soaked roads.
The greatest challenge in terms of material development was the extreme temperature variations, from dozens of degrees below zero to scorching heat waves. The tread compound of the Nokian Weatherproof is tailored for varying conditions. It works wonderfully along a wide range of temperatures and can withstand harsh wear even in hot summer weather. Winter grip is excellent at temperatures near zero and slightly below it. The next-generation silica compound also allows for good wet grip and low rolling resistance, which reduces fuel consumption.
New Nokian Weatherproof SUV - tailored stability for SUV use
Several effective innovations support the thread of the sturdy SUV model. A special Stiffness Zone was designed in the shoulder area between the tread blocks in order to stiffen the tyre shoulder. The Stiffness Zone improves precision and calmness especially on dry roads. The new Nokian Weatherproof SUV can carry and manage its high wheel loads surely and firmly on ice, snow, bare roads or even the ever treacherous slush. The tread compound is even stiffer than in the passenger car model, which allows for an especially accurate steering feel.
The carefully selected and tested structural solutions make the Nokian Weatherproof a balanced mover. The tighter wrapping of the nylon belts on the shoulder areas stiffens the steel belt structure and reduces the movement of the tread blocks. This can be felt in the precise steering feel during high-speed cornering or lane changes.
Driving Safety Indicator - Exact information on tyre condition
The location and pressure indicators on the Nokian Weatherproof's sidewall info area improve winter safety and user comfort. The information area allows for recording the correct inflation pressure and installation location during tyre change. Safety is improved further by a new section that can be used to record the tightening torque of the wheel nuts for alloy wheels.
As before, the tread surface has the Driving Safety Indicator (DSI), patented by Nokian Tyres. The numbers on the centre surface of the tyre indicate how much of the main groove depth remains on the tread. The snowflake symbol of the Winter Safety Indicator (WSI) remains visible to a groove depth of four millimetres. Once the snowflake has worn out, the driver should purchase new winter tyres to ensure sufficient safety.
Nokian Weatherproof – Beyond four seasons
- Superior on snow, excellent grip even on wet roads
- Durable high performance throughout the year
- Extremely stable and comfortable driving behaviour
Main innovations:
Tailored centre area. Excellent winter grip. The steep surface geometry of the centre area has been carefully optimised to ensure excellent grip on snowy and wet roads. The axe-like V-shaped tread blocks firmly grip the snowy road. The heavy siping and the grading of the tread blocks add more gripping edges and further improve grip. The wedge-like rises between the centre and shoulder blocks strengthen the precise steering feel and excellent grip on snow.
Centre Block Channeling. Extreme grip, effective slushplaning prevention. The deep and open channels on the centre blocks increase grip under extreme winter conditions. The channels effectively push slush and water away from between the tyre and the road, which effectively prevents slushplaning and aquaplaning.
Nokian Weatherproof rubber compound. Tailored safety and durability. The tread compound is tailored for varying conditions; it works wonderfully along a wide range of temperatures and can withstand harsh wear even in hot summer weather. Winter grip is excellent at temperatures near zero and slightly below it. The next-generation silica compound also allows for good wet grip and low rolling resistance, which reduces fuel consumption.
Stiffness Zone. Balanced and stable driving. A special Stiffness Zone was designed in the shoulder area of the Nokian Weatherproof SUV in order to stiffen the tyre shoulder. The Stiffness Zone improves precision and calmness especially on dry roads.
Polished Grooves. Safety on wet roads. Polished grooves facilitate the removal of snow and slush.
Product photos: www.nokiantyres.com/NokianWeatherproof
Nokian All-Weather – winter tyres you can use all year long
Nokian All-Weather tyres like the Nokian Weatherproof deliver the safety of a designated winter tyre with the stability and handling of a summer tyre. They are long-lasting and developed for year-round use.
Snowy, wet and slushy roads
Unlike all-season tyres, the Nokian Weatherproof bears the Snowflake symbol (3PMSF) and so you know it has passed all the requirements for a winter tyre. In fact, the Nokian Weatherproof is designed as a high performance winter tyre for year-round use. It stays flexible at low temperatures to give you strong grip on snow and precise braking on ice because of its naturally derived rubber compound made with silica and canola oil. Nokian Weatherproof also effectively prevents aquaplaning and stops instantly on wet roads.
Dry roads
Nokian Weatherproof delivers excellent handling on bare asphalt as well as during spring showers or winter blizzards. It offers extreme stability and grip, even at high speeds on dry roads.
All year long
Regardless of the temperature or even your driving style, you will appreciate the Nokian Weatherproof’s sensitive driving response. The all-weather tyre offers first-class safety as well as economy.
You will also enjoy a long tread life due in part to the tear-resistant natural oils in the compound. With such a durable tread, you will get good mileage throughout the seasons. Since the Nokian Weatherproof rolls easily, you will consume less fuel and emit less CO2.
Read more:
Nokian Tyres - The world's first winter tyre with an A energy rating
http://youtu.be/Wo4omb0Eil4
World's first winter tyre with pop-out studs
www.nokiantyres.com/company/news-article/nokian-tyres-the-world-s-first-nonstudded-winter-tyre-with-studs/
Winter season 2014: Over 40 test wins for Nokian winter tyres
www.nokiantyres.com/innovation/test-success/
At the top of winter tyre testing: Ivalo Testing Center – White Hell
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8: World record for the fastest car on ice, 335.713 km/h:
www.nokiantyres.com/innovation/testing/fastest-on-ice/fastest-on-ice-2013/
How was the world's first winter tyre invented?
http://www.nokiantyres.com/first-winter-tyres
Comparing the world's first winter tyre to the state-of-the-art non-studded winter tyre
www.nokiantyres.com/company/about-us/history/this-is-how-the-winter-tyre-has-changed/
Blogs from Nokian Tyres' professionals
Further information:
Nokian Tyres plc
Product Development Manager Olli Seppälä, tel. +358 10 401 7549
olli.seppala@nokiantyres.com
Technical Customer Service Manager Matti Morri, tel. +358 10 401 7621
matti.morri@nokiantyres.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NokianTyresCom
YouTube: www.youtube.com/NokianTyresCom
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nokiantyres
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nokian-tyres-plc
Nokian Tyres is the only tyre manufacturer in the world that focuses on customer needs in northern conditions. The company supplies innovative tyres for cars, trucks and special heavy machinery mainly in areas with special challenges on tyre performance: snow, forests and harsh driving conditions in different seasons. Nokian Tyres’ product development is consistently aiming for sustainable solutions for safety and the environment, taking into account the whole life cycle of the tyre. A part of the Nokian Tyres group, the tyre chain Vianor has 1,355 outlets in 27 countries. In 2014 Nokian Tyres had over 4,200 employees and net sales of approximately 1,4 billion euros. Nokian Tyres’ share is listed on the NASDAQ Helsinki. Further information: www.nokiantyres.com
