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FAQ

FAQ


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Sidewall Markings


In the tire size designation, what do 175/60 or 175/65 stand for?
The first three-digit number is the cross-section width in millimetres measured at the widest point when the tire is mounted on the measuring rim. The number after the slash is the aspect ratio, which is the relationship between the standing height of the tire and the cross-section width as a percentage.

What does the XL stand for in the size designation of a tire?
XL is the Extra Load load range. The tire is developed for a maximum load of four units higher. For speeds over 130 mph the actual load of V, W and Y rated tires is reduced accordingly. (For further information, refer to the ETRTO Standard Manual 2000, p. 8.) This type of tire is becoming increasingly popular, because the number of fast cars has increased.

What information does the Nokian DSI wear indicator provide for the driver?
The DSI driving safety indicator displays the remaining tread in numbers, which tells you when you should replace your tires. By monitoring the tread wear, you can also get more mileage out of your tires by rotating the positions of the tires between the front and rear axles, which evens out the differences in tread wear between the different axles.

Tire Care

My tires wear more in the middle than at the sides. Do I have incorrect inflation pressures, or why does this happen?
Traction tires normally wear more in the middle than at the sides and free-rolling tires wear more at the sides. The best way to even out the wear and to get the best possible driving results from your tires is to rotate the positions of the tires between the front and rear axles after every 5,000-6,000 miles (8,000-10,000 km).

I mounted one of my tires against the rolling direction and drove it like that through the winter. Did it damage the tire?
The tire does not get damaged when it rolls against the specified rolling direction. However, it is recommended that you do not change the rolling direction of a tire during its useful life as this may affect the grip of the tire. To achieve the best possible cleaning, aquaplaning and slush properties, the tires should be mounted in their correct rolling direction.

If studs work loose from studded tires, is it possible to replace lost studs with new ones?
It is not possible to replace lost studs with new ones as they cannot be fixed securely to the old stud holes.

How do I know the correct inflation pressures?
You will find details of the correct inflation pressures for your car in the Owner's manual, on the tire placard on the fuel tank of your car, on the glove compartment door, on a door edge or on the side of a door. If the information cannot be found in any of these places, professional tire repair shops and Nokian Tyres Technical Customer Service will be able to help you.

May I use a solvent when washing my tires?

We recommend that you use a mild detergent, such as a car shampoo, on your tires. Remember to rinse tires thoroughly after washing, so that solvent residue will not remain in stud holes or between sipes.
Do not direct the spray of a pressure washer on the tire surface up close, as the high-pressure spray may damage the coord structure.


Tire Manufacturing and Environmental Issues

What makes up the price of a tire?
Tires are complicated technical products and tire manufacturing requires massive investments in product development and production. The majority of the price of the tire is because of the raw materials used and the manufacturing labor costs.

How environmentally friendly are Nokian brand passenger car tires?
The environmental friendliness of our products and manufacturing processes is an essential part of our operations. Our main principle is to select the least environmentally damaging raw materials available and, consequently, Nokian Tyres is the first ever tire manufacturer to receive the ISO 14001 environmental certificate.

What happens to worn out tires?
There are three major areas of use for used tires: retreading, energy and material use. Retreaded tires are used tires equipped with new treads. Most passenger car and delivery van tires can be retreaded once and truck and bus tires between two and three times.
Tire granulate can be burnt to produce energy and its energy value is equal to that of coal. Rubber granulate has hundreds of uses. The most important applications include road maintenance, noise barriers, artificial reefs, floor and wall coverings and as isolation material on new landfill sites under construction or old ones closing down.

Where are Nokian brand tires studded?
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5, Hakkapeliitta 5 SUV and Hakkapeliitta C tires are delivered to retailers studded by Nokian Tyres. Other studded tires are supplied to order either studded or without studs.

How are the stud holes made?
Stud pins in the curing mould imprint the stud holes in the tread or, in the case of heavy tires, the stud holes are drilled.

Is there a manufacturing date on tires?
On all Nokian branded tires, a four-digit-code shows the year and week when the tire was manufactured.
The manufacturing code has four digits, for example, the code 2106 means that the tire was manufactured in week number 21 of the year 2006

Other Topics


Can I drive my winter tires all year round?
We do not recommend the use of winter tires throughout the year but you can use WRG2 and other All-Weather Plus tires year round. Modern winter tires may wear unnecessarily quickly, particularly on coarse spring roads. The wear may also be uneven due to abnormally rapid wear.
Winter tires should be mounted in the autumn when the ground freezes and replaced in the spring when snow no longer covers the roads. However, if the tread depth in spring is below 5 mm, you can use the tire up in spring.

I am interested in purchasing winter tires.  How do I choose between the different models?
If you live in severe winter areas, a studded tire, such as Hakkapeliitta 5 or 4, has the best traction on snow and ice.  If you are in an area that does not allow studded tires or most of your winter driving is on dry pavement, unstudded tires, like the Hakkapeliita R or RSi,  would be your best choice.  If you want winter performance but do not want to change your tires in the summer then our All-Weather-Plus tires, like the WRG2 or WR, is your only option.  Use the Tire selector to see which options fit your vehicle.

I purchased the WRG2 but one side looks like it is mounted facing the wrong direction.  Has the installer made a mistake?
No.  The tires are marked to advise the installer which shoulder should be facing outward.  This marking can be found in the tread groove of the center rib.  The traction and performance are dependent on the compounds found in different parts of the tread more than the tread design.  This tire is not directional despite an appearance that may lead you to believe otherwise.

If I purchase my tires online, how do I handle a warranty claim?
Tires must be returned to the dealer you purchased them from if you need to make a warranty claim so you would contact the online dealer.  Records of tire maintenance may be required.

 Where can I find out about Nokain's warranty?
Our Nokian Tyres limited warranty can be found here.