This new winter drive tyre is also the first member of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta Truck product family. The tyre’s tread design features more than 1,100 efficient transverse sipes, forming a dense network that helps maximise grip, Nokian claims. The tyre is also equipped with special sipe activators that are very sensitive to the road surface and rapidly
activate the sipes, particularly in changing temperatures and road conditions.
“Nokian Hakkapeliitta Truck E is the result of years of intensive work; it’s a new-generation product that combines the excellent grip and resistance properties that professional drivers value very highly,” says Teppo Siltanen, Product Manager, Nokian Truck Tyres. Development work drew on the experiences of the Nokian Noktop 41 traction surface and the Nokian NTR-817 truck tyre.
According to the Finnish tyre manufacturer, Nokian Hakkapeliitta Truck E delivers a sharp and precise driving response. But, in addition to this, the tyre also includes a clever tread indicator. The new innovation featured in the Nokian Hakkapeliitta Truck E is the Winter Safety Indicator (WSI), which indicates when the tyre’s best grip is available in harsh winter conditions, on icy road, in deep snow or wet slush.
After the snow flake symbol placed on the tread block has worn off, the tyre will continue to perform well in regular winter driving. The Driving Safety Indicator (DSI) indicates groove depth. The numbers stamped on the tread show the remaining groove depth in millimetres. The numbers fade, one at a time, as the tyre wears down. Nokian recommends the tyre should be replaced or retreaded when it wears down to the 4mm minimum groove depth. The wide distribution of studs in six rows guarantees uncompromised grip.
Sales of Nokian Hakkapeliitta Truck E are due to begin in August in Nokian Tyres’ in the Nordic countries and Russia. Tyre sizes 295/80R22.5 and 315/80R22.5 will be available to begin with. (Tyres & Accessories/Staffordshire, U.K.)
