Wed January 11 07:03 am 2012 in category Product news
The new Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT2 special winter tire
The new Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT2 winter tire combines uncompromised grip and exceptional durability. This rugged new product, designed for heavy-duty use in heavy 4x4 SUVs, does not waver or falter; it moves safely and effortlessly on slippery, icy roads and snow-covered worksites.
In addition to the superior grip that is typical of Hakkapeliittas, this new tire stands out from its predecessors thanks to its excellent wear resistance and unique driving stability. The grip is reassuring even under extreme situations, and this reliable workhorse is precise, logical, and balanced to drive. The tire maintains its precision and stability even in the most challenging conditions.
Tailored, strong, and durable structure
The strong construction of this heavyweight professional has been optimised for the large wheel loads of SUVs, pickup type light trucks and vans alike, and to accommodate the requirements of heavy axle loads. The tailored steel belt package is especially reinforced in the shoulder area. The steel belt package has over 60% more steel than normal passenger car tires.
The top-notch durability is complemented by the extremely tear and cut resistant tread compound. Abrasion protection on the sidewalls increases reliability.
Stable handling
- In addition to its sturdy structure, this thoroughbred newcomer to the Hakkapeliitta family of winter tires provides stable handling and grip reserves by means of the aggressive tread pattern in the centre area. The accentuated siping of the optimised tread pattern improves grip on snow. The wide grooving actively removes water and slush from between the tire and the road surface, says Product Development Manager Juha Pirhonen from Nokian Tyres.
The massive and long tread blocks, which extend to the side from the centre area, improve handling and stability on bare roads. The large number of tread blocks with sharp edges also improves the snow grip of the tire.
The sipe activators on the tread activate the functionality of the sipes, guaranteeing safe driving under rapidly changing conditions.
Grip and strength from steel studs
The versatile Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT2 winter tire successfully employs the same innovations and technical solutions as the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7, the multiple test-winning tire for passenger cars.
Unique winter grip and soft road contact are guaranteed by the seamless co-operation of the oriented steel studs and the droplet-shaped “Air Claw Technology” air shock absorbers on the front edges of the tread blocks. This innovation is much like the heel cushions on good running shoes: the air holes on the tire soften and dampen the impact of the stud on the road, also reducing the vibration of the stud during road contact. The air cushion technology also reduces road wear and tire noise, and improves stud durability.
Balanced even under difficult conditions
The firm longitudinal and lateral grip is maximised by the eight rows of studs in the shoulder areas. The studs have several edges for maximising the area of contact, in turn improving the grip of the studs on slippery surfaces.
The studs are surrounded by a running-in indicator that disappears once brand new tires have been run in. For the first 500 kilometres, you should drive carefully and avoid power acceleration, braking, and sudden steering movements. The indicator helps to even out the protrusion of the stud, ensuring secure attachment.
More winter safety
For added comfort and safety, the tire has the Driving Safety Indicator (DSI) and the snowflake symbol (WSI) located side by side. The Driving Safety Indicator is standard equipment on all Nokian tires. The percentages on the centre surface of the tire present in plain terms how much of the main groove depth remains on the tread. The numbers wear out as the tire wears down.
The snowflake symbol (WSI) also signifies winter safety. It remains visible until 40% of the groove depth is left. Once the snowflake has worn out, the motorist should purchase new winter tires to ensure sufficient safety.
Correct tire pressure is especially important in commercial driving and under heavy loads. Correct tire pressure improves the driving feel of the car, ensures the structural durability of the tire, lowers rolling resistance, and reduces fuel consumption. Pressure management is made simpler by an info field that allows for noting down the correct tire pressure and the place of the tire under the car.
The comprehensive selection of sizes for Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT2 will initially cover 12 models, from a 16 inch tire up to an 18 inch tire. Retail sales of this new product will begin immediately on Nokian Tyres' core markets.
The inventor of the winter tire manages extreme conditions
Nokian Tyres developed the world's first winter tire for the winter frost in 1934. Two years later, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta was born in the Nordic winter; currently, it is one of the most well-known winter tire brands in the world. The excellent winter properties of the Hakkapeliitta tires have been enjoyed by millions of safety-conscious drivers in over 50 countries.
The world's northernmost tire manufacturer tests and develops new members of the Hakkapeliitta family at its own test centre in Ivalo, 300 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. Nokian Tyres is the only tire manufacturer in the world focusing on the needs of customers in the northern conditions and creating products especially for them.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT2 – Strength and stability for demanding use
- Extremely stable handling
- Grips and moves effortlessly, even in demanding winter conditions
- Excellent driving result
Main innovations:
Air Claw Technology. The combination of the steel stud and air dampers are collectively referred to as Air Claw Technology. It reduces road wear, reduces tire noise, and improves stud durability. This innovation is much like the heel cushions on good running shoes: the air holes on the tire soften and dampen the impact of the stud on the road and also reduce the vibration of the stud during road contact.
Sipe activators. Better grip. Sipe activators located on the edges of the tread boost the functionality of the sipes under the most slippery conditions. A wider sipe assists in opening the narrower one.
Abrasion protection. Abrasion protection on the side surfaces reduces tire damage.
Info field. Pressure management is made simpler by an info field that allows for noting down the correct tire pressure and the place of the tire under the car.
Safety Indicators (DSI + WSI). More winter safety. The percentages on the centre surface of the tire present in plain terms how much of the main groove depth remains on the tread. The numbers wear out as the tire wears down. The snowflake symbol also signifies winter safety. It remains visible until 40% of the groove depth is left. Once the snowflake has worn out, the motorist should purchase new winter tires to ensure sufficient safety.
Photos: www.nokiantyres.com/HakkapeliittaLT2