Summer tires with a focus on aquaplaning from Nokian

qiangzi

Nokian has unveiled its latest tire range. The summer tires, branded as ‘xLine’, focus on controlling the car in variable weather conditions experienced through the summer months.

Nokian have focused on the issue of aquaplaning, brought about during summer by instant, substantial downpours. As a result, the xLine tires feature unique ‘X-Block’ sipes on the central rib of their construction. Said to work in two-ways, the sipes toward the outer shoulder are designed to work in conjunction with a firmer rib – providing stability. Whilst the sipes on the inner shoulder work with a softer section of tire, ensuring a more compliant and supple ride, whilst also reducing rolling resistance and noise.

( u* q% l5 i4 j) F0 ~1 ZWhilst rotating, the sipes are designed to store water and accelerate the flow of it through the tire’s main grooves. These are designed to work in conjuction with the tire’s ‘Swoop Grooves’ that sit on the xLine’s outer shoulders. The elliptical slots, again, store water as the volume of the transversal grooves increases. Their design means that as the tire wears down, their volume increases, rather than reduces – maintaining performance over the tire’s lifespan.
6 {% p5 ]2 |6 [" Z6 ^/ R+ H* [9 u
! W$ d, K$ \4 b& x“When optimizing the road contact and developing the structure of Nokian xLine, we aimed at maximizing a precise driving feel and excellent wet grip,” said Juha Pirhonen, product development manager, Nokian Tyres. “We utilized a high-speed camera for this purpose to a great extent. The finishing touches for the exceptional wet grip and anti-aquaplaning characteristics are the new innovations that effectively remove water from between the tire and the road or store it temporarily.”