- Hakkapeliitta 01 studded snow tires change grip based on temperature.
- These tires have “smart” studs that expand or retract.
- The result is less road noise, less road wear, and better grip.
Studded snow tires are an important feature for any car to operate in the coldest conditions. The best option has long been Nokia’s Hakkapelitta. It grips well on snow, stops well in slippery conditions, and can plow through deep snow.
Still, studded snow tires aren’t without their problems. Studs increase road wear and are loud when driven over pavement. Nokia has come up with a solution, and it’s pretty amazing: a smarter tire that can automatically extend or retract its treads based on temperature.
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Source: Nokia
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01 is the world’s first winter tire with on-demand grip. As the temperature of the tire changes, the studs either tighten and stay longer or relax and retreat deeper into the tire.
This is done thanks to a unique base layer embedded in the tire cap. This is where the roots are anchored to the rubber. As the tire cools, the studs harden. But as the tire heats up, the roots can push deeper into the treads.
The result is a studded snow tire that’s quieter, less damaging to the road surface, and still offers improved grip over other tire options — including past versions of the Hakkapeliitta that didn’t feature this new tech.
Motor1’s tech: Any innovation news in the tire space is exciting, but this latest tire from Nokia is downright fascinating. The Hakkapeliitta 01 can automatically adjust grip based on temperature, while providing a better level of grip than its predecessors. Nokia has created something pretty amazing here.
While the market may be relatively small compared to other tire segments, there is still demand for an aggressive three-pack mountain snowflake and ice-rated tire. Nokia has once again proved why it is the best in the business in this segment.
