From its newly expanded factory in Dayton, Tennessee, Finnish manufacturer Nokian Tyres has just launched a new tire exclusively for the North American market: the Tyre One All Season. Although it will not be possible for them to drive on Quebec roads in winter, its introduction on the market is good news for the tire world. Indeed, its design offers interesting technical innovations on several levels that could well become the standard for manufacturers!
The tire, which should be available by the end of the month, integrates several redesigned components for a smoother ride. Along with its close cousin, the Nokian Tyres One HT, launched last year for SUVs and pick-ups, it promises to raise the bar in terms of road stability, thanks to its improved tread and rims, among other things. According to the company, it has better handling, better durability, more even wear and tear, and reduced interior and exterior noise. But what is it about this technology that makes it look like the perfect tire?
Aramid: the future standard for tires?
One of the reasons a tire is stable on the road is the strength of its rims, and on that matter Nokian’s innovative tire is certainly promising. It is equipped with a mixed cord fabric made of aramid, a material similar to Kevlar, which reduces damage to the sidewalls. Considering the superior pothole protection it offers, is this the future of the tire? At the moment, few models are made with these ultra-resistant fibers. However, because of their effect on the tire’s longevity and therefore its environmental footprint, this may well change.
The One tire also stands out for its many ingenious additions to the tread pattern. Indeed, its design has been thought out for North American weather conditions, which can be difficult even outside the winter season. Unique sipes have been added to the tread and rims to increase wet traction. It also features a “Safe Driving Indicator” located on the center rib that indicates the percentage of tread wear. Gone are the days of using pennies to check the condition of your tires!
The Nokian tire hasn’t had time to prove itself yet, but in our opinion the ideas it brings to the table give us a glimpse of what the tires of the future might look like. Practical, efficient and more environmentally friendly than their predecessors, their ingenious design is sure to inspire engineers around the world! All we have to do now is wait for the results…
