Outside the gates of the Nokian testing ground in the polar Ivalo, three new products were waiting for me: studded tires Hakkapeliitta 8 and two models of so-called friction (that is, without studs) winter tires - Hakkapeliitta R2 and Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV. And if friction tires are, rather, a product of “moderate progress within the framework of legality,” then serious passions flared up around studded tires - not so much in connection with progress, but with legality: there were more studs than in the tread of the predecessor tires Hakkapeliitta 7. And this contradicts the new European rule, which strictly limits the number of studs per linear meter! Or does it not contradict?
On the one hand, it is obvious that the more studs in a tire, the more reliable the movement on ice. Of course, taking into account the fact that such tires are used not only on snow and ice, the “density” of the studs should have reasonable limits. In addition, spikes cause enormous damage to asphalt concrete pavements. That is why in most European countries spikes are completely prohibited, and in those Northern European countries where spikes are allowed, their number, weight and size are strictly regulated. So, on 14- or 15-inch tires a maximum of 110 studs are allowed, on 16-inch tires - 130. And from July 1, 2013, an even stricter rule is introduced: no more than 50 studs per linear meter of tread! This means that the "density" of the studs should be reduced by about a quarter. If, for example, the popular Gislaved Nord Frost 5 model in size 205/55 R16 had 130 studs, now there should be 96 of them.
From July 1, 2013, tires with more than 50 studs per linear meter of tread can be sold in Scandinavian countries only if they successfully pass a special test proving that these tires are harmless for road surfaces. The procedure is as follows: pre-washed, dried and weighed granite tiles are placed into a square cut out of asphalt. After 400 passes (200 cycles on each side) of the car along the “tared” area at a speed of 100 km/h, the tiles are again sent to the scales - the weight loss should not exceed the loss after the same tests of reference tires with 50 studs per linear meter
Tire manufacturers learn about such innovations in advance, so they usually have enough time to develop models taking into account new requirements. For example, this year’s new product, Michelin X-Ice North 3 studded tires: the number of studs here has already been reduced by a quarter! And suddenly I find out that the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires of the same size 205/55 R16 now have not 130 studs, but... One and a half times more, 190 pieces!
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Studded tires are the basis of Nokian Tires' success: they account for 75% of global winter tire sales. Now the bet is not just on studded, but on heavily studded tires - the tread of Hakkapeliitta 8 tires has as many as 190 studs versus 130 for Hakkapeliitta 7 tires of the same size
It turns out that the new European regulation still left a loophole, which, to the poorly concealed irritation of other manufacturers, was taken advantage of by Nokian Tires. If the manufacturer proves that exceeding the standard number of studs will not lead to an increased destructive effect on the road compared to the reference tire, the number of studs in which complies with the new regulations, then - please! Naturally, a procedure for such tests is also provided. But there are some juicy details. This procedure was also developed by Finns - specialists from the independent testing center Test World, and the tests of the Hakkapeliitta 8 tires were carried out by Nokian Tires specialists at their “home” test site in the city of Nokia under supervision official representative Finnish traffic safety agency TraFi. Based on the results of these tests, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires were found suitable for use in Scandinavian countries. And, of course, in Russia and Ukraine, where there are still no rules regulating the number of spikes.
Reducing the harmful impact on the road surface has been achieved thanks to the Eco Stud 8 concept! - Matti Morri, leading technical expert at Nokian Tyres, comments proudly.
The stud itself retained the hexagonal cross-section already familiar from the Hakkapeliitta7 tires, but became 0.5 mm shorter and 20% lighter - it now weighs 0.8 grams. In addition, a small cavity has appeared in the support flange: when the stud comes into contact with the road, the base of the flange presses on the rubber pad, forcing it not only to compress, but also to go deeper into the cavity, that is, the air in the cavity acts like a pneumatic spring.
Eco Stud 8 concept: a lightweight stud and an enlarged rubber cushion underneath, which, compressing and partially filling the cavity in the support flange, softens the impact of the block on the road
Along the way, as Matti assures, it was possible to reduce the noise level: they say, the spring pad turned out to be an effective “muffler”, which made it possible to abandon the drop-shaped holes in front of the studs, which helped reduce the noise of the predecessor tire.
During a short run behind the wheel of the Golf along the surrounding roads, I really did not experience any acoustic discomfort and still clearly heard when the asphalt under the wheels gave way to compacted snow. And I regretted that they didn’t let me ride on the predecessor tires: maybe the new tires are not as quiet as Matti claims?
I also regretted this on the special tracks of the training ground. Not only were there no Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 tires, but also competing tires from other manufacturers. And the set of driving exercises seemed bland: a prosaic “snake” and a “moose test” with a short acceleration straight that did not allow us to approach the entrance corridor faster than 50 km/h. In both cases, I got Ford Focus allowed everything to be done cleanly.
This Audi A4 station wagon drives... without a driver. A robot car with a rather cumbersome control system (photo on the right) is used for simple but monotonous tests - acceleration, braking on a straight line. And also to check the influence of Hakkapeliitta 8 tires on the road surface. However, now the robot is being trained to perform more complex exercises - “rearranging”, moving in a circle and even along a winding track!
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One silver lining: I then drove three laps around the icy track in a 420-horsepower Audi RS4. Liked! Good grip, good feel for the car... But with questions about how these bristling tires are better or worse than their competitors, contact Oleg Rastegaev. He has already carried out a comparative test of twenty winter tires, including the new one, and according to first impressions, the “re-studded” Hakkapeliitta 8 really outperforms its competitors on ice, although the advantage is not overwhelming - and certainly not proportional to the number of studs. By the way, other new tires also took part in these comparative tests, Pirelli Ice Zero, which also successfully passed the testing procedure at the Test World test site and received approval for sale in Scandinavian countries, despite the presence of 130 studs in 16-inch tires. Who is next?
The effectiveness of the crystals in the rubber compound of the Hakkapeliitta R2 and Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV tires should be best demonstrated on ice, where they should work like microspikes
And with studless, friction winter tires, as I already said, everything is calmer. The tread pattern has been changed (a denser network of lamellas of increased width has appeared), and solid microparticles in the form of multifaceted crystals are now introduced into the rubber mixture. These are something like microspikes: by “biting” into the road, they increase traction on ice and even on slippery asphalt. Something similar has already been seen on Japanese tires from Toyo and Bridgestone.
What are Finnish “microspikes” made of and what is their structure?
Secret,” Matti smiles. - Details will be available after the technology is patented.
It is important that the crystals in the Hakkapeliitta R2 and Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV tires are evenly distributed throughout the tread thickness, that is, they will work throughout the entire service life of the tire.
Production of all three models has already started at Nokian factories in Finland and Russia, and mass sales will begin in the fall. The range of standard sizes is traditionally wide: for Hakkapeliitta tires there are 8 as many as 59 positions - from 175/70 R13 to 255/35 R20, of which six are with the speed index H (210 km/h), and the rest have the index T (190 km/h) . There will also be “puncture-resistant” run flat tires in nine standard sizes (with a seat diameter from 16 to 18 inches). But the Finns promise to bring the version of the G8 with the SUV index intended for crossovers and SUVs to the market next year.
Only a little more modest the lineup studless tires Hakkapeliitta R2 - 55 sizes (from 13 to 20 inches). The “initial” Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV has dimensions of 215/70 R16, and in total there are 38 standard sizes on the list, including Run Flat 255/50 R19 for the BMW X5. All friction "erks", both passenger cars and off-road ones, are assigned a speed index R (up to 170 km/h).
It's no secret that Nokian winter tires are the most expensive on the market, and new models will become even more expensive: studded ones - by an average of 10%, non-studded ones - by 3%. Let's wait for the results of comparative tests to find out how justified this approach to pricing is.
The tread blocks of the new Hakkapeliitta R tires (index 2) have decreased in size, and reinforcements have appeared between them, designed to increase directional stability during acceleration and braking. It is curious that in the previous generation of Eroks the treads of the “passenger” and “off-road” versions were identical, and the current Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV (pictured on the right) acquired its own pattern with a distinct central rib
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Winter studded tire. Main features declared by the manufacturer:
- unprecedentedly reliable grip in winter conditions,
- low fuel consumption,
- acoustic comfort,
- reducing the level of damage to the road surface,
- directional stability and steering sensitivity.
Captivates like never before.
The most advanced studded tire on the winter tire market.
Achievements
Made it to the list of the best winter tires.
Expert review "Autoreview" 2016: 185/65 R15
8.8 points, .
Number of studs: 186.
Tire weight: 7.8 kg.
Protrusion of spikes: 1.5 mm.
Tread depth: 8.9 mm.
- Pros:
- grip on ice,
- handling on ice and snow,
- permeability.
- Flaws:
- price.
These tires with an increased number of studs have taught us excellent properties on ice. And in deep snow with slipping, such tires paddle better than others.
But there is also side effects: average grip on asphalt and, most importantly, constant high-frequency noise of spikes clicking along the road. Unpleasant resonance - about 70 km/h.
After the test, three studs were missing for the set.
The Nokian is not the best option for large cities, but on regional icy roads the Hakkapeliitta 8 is what you need.
Measurements and reviews from “Behind the Wheel” experts about the size 195/65 R15 in 2016
929 points, .
Number of studs: 200.
Tire weight: 8.5 kg.
Protrusion of spikes after the test: 1.0...1.4 mm.
By and large, there is only one drawback - the high price.
pros
- Best longitudinal grip on ice and acceleration on snow,
- High lateral grip on ice,
- Outstanding cross-country ability,
- Low fuel consumption.
Flaws
Minor comments regarding directional stability on asphalt and comfort level.
Tire test result 205/55 R16 Autoreview 2015
Overall rating: 8.95 ().
+ Grip properties on ice and snow.
+ Handling on ice.
- Noise.
- High price.
How many spikes: 190.
Protrusion of spikes: 1.2 mm.
The advantage of Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires on ice is obvious: by biting into the ice with their 190 studs, they provide the shortest braking distance and the best acceleration dynamics. The directional tread works well on packed snow, although when driving with slipping in loose snow, the tires do not paddle well.
Excellent tires for winter surfaces.
On dry asphalt, the soft tread (the lowest rubber hardness among studded tires) does not support large loads, significantly increasing the braking distance. The loud itching of the spikes also spoils the impression of driving on asphalt.
The result of the test of studded tires 205/55 R16 “Behind the wheel” 2015
932 points ().
+ Better braking properties and lateral grip on ice.
+ High grip on snow.
+ Economical at any speed.
+ Excellent directional stability on snowy roads.
+ Excellent maneuverability.
+ Clear handling on winter roads and following the course on asphalt.
— Modest braking properties on wet asphalt.
— Minor comments regarding the smoothness of the ride.
- Noisy.
How many spikes: 190.
Protrusion of spikes before tests: 1…1.3 mm.
Protrusion of spikes after tests: 1.1…1.4 mm.
They will appeal to you on any winter roads and off-road, and will help you save fuel.
The eighth generation Hakkapeliitta studs were tested on the updated (2015 release) Mitsubishi Outlander with a 2.4 liter engine. Let us remind you that for this model, shoes of size 225/55 R18 SUV are recommended, where the last three characters indicate that it belongs to the crossover segment. This is an important nuance that should be taken into account when choosing seasonal tires - the Nokian product range may contain tires of the same size both with and without the SUV index. The latter are intended for ordinary passenger cars. Therefore, to make it easier for yourself to find the right models for your car, we recommend using the online tire selection service, which operates on the manufacturer’s website.
For more than four months of operation of the Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV, we have driven more than 10,000 km along the capital's roads and country roads in the Moscow region and the Vladimir region. Winter this year was, let’s say, not quite winter. Severe cold weather practically did not happen, and infrequent heavy snowfalls abruptly gave way to warming with freezing rains, which often turned the road surface into an impassable mess of wet snow, alternating with icy asphalt. On the other hand, slushy weather presented us good opportunity to evaluate in practice in the most difficult road conditions. And in this sense, according to the general opinion of our test editors, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV showed itself to be the most the best side. As we have seen with our own eyes, these tires perform excellent on any type of winter surface, be it hard or loose snow, ice, slush or wet, slush-covered asphalt.
(acceleration, braking, driving at a constant speed) “eight” provides guaranteed grip on the road surface and good handling. We can confidently say that the Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV demonstrates an excellent balance of grip properties in the longitudinal and transverse directions, while providing relatively low noise when driving on asphalt.
All these qualities of the tire became possible to implement innovative technologies during its production. Thus, the tire tread uses a unique second-generation Hakkapeliitta Cryo-Silane winter compound, created specifically for difficult winter conditions. Thanks to it, the tread block sipes maintain a good level of grip during sudden temperature changes. The main components of the mixture are silica, rapeseed oil and a large amount of natural rubber. The latter has a key effect on traction properties in extreme conditions on a winter road. Natural rubber is a kind of stabilizer in a wide range of temperatures up to severe frosts.
Another feature of the tires is the original symmetrical directional tread pattern. It is formed by a developed network of deep diverging (towards the edges of the tire) grooves and a central part, where the tread blocks are firmly connected to each other to increase the rigidity and stability of the tire's running characteristics. At the same time, this design of the treadmill provides it with good self-cleaning from snow and dirt, as well as low rolling resistance.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the spikes used in. None of them fell out of their treads during testing. Apparently, the new Nokian Eco Stud 8 studding concept implemented in these models played a role. This concept involves the use of a new generation of multifaceted anchor stud, equipped with a specially shaped flange, and a softening “pad” under the stud (Eco Stud), made of special soft rubber. The new flange significantly reduces stud deflection, and the pad improves the grip properties of the stud and softens contact with the road. This innovation has already been used in other Nokian Hakkapeliitta winter tires, but in the “eight” the thickness of the “pad” has been increased.
As I wrote above, spikes are allowed only in Scandinavian European countries, I would like to emphasize once again that in warm European regions, spikes are prohibited by law! To avoid damaging the road surface.
However, in the Scandinavian countries, since July 1, 2009, a technical regulation has been in force that regulates the number of studs on one linear meter of a tire - THERE SHOULD BE NO MORE THAN 50 PIECES.
There is a caveat to the truth; the manufacturer can present tests in which they prove that a larger number of studs does not destroy the road surface.
In average tires R14 - R15, the number is about 96 pieces. Although, for example, the same Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 has as many as 190 pieces, but they have proven that the destructive effect is reduced here.
About Asian manufacturers
These are mainly Japan, Korea and Lately China is actively developing. There are no rigid frameworks here, and therefore no one limits the number of studded elements. However, Japanese manufacturers do not install a huge number of studs in their tires and, as a rule, they fluctuate around 130 pieces.
A prominent representative of Japanese technology is the Bridgestone company.
About Russian manufacturers
The domestic manufacturer, like its Asian counterparts, is not constrained by possible regulations. Therefore, many companies set the maximum number of elements per linear meter, but if you take the entire tire, the number ranges from 130 to 190 per tire.
What does the number of spikes affect?
As I have said more than once, winter studded tires have only a few tasks:
- This is cross-country ability in the snow
- Working in slushy snow, that is, above-zero temperatures in winter, when you need to remove moisture from the tread
- Ice work, braking and starting assistance
So, as you understand, the spikes only work on an icy surface (in deep snow and slush, they are actually not needed), and here it is logical to think - the more spikes, the better the performance. This is almost always the case, I won’t run all sorts of tests now, I’ll just say that if you compare the option with 130 and 190 studded elements, the second one has a braking distance of almost a meter less. And this is noticeable!
However, it is worth noting that now there are a lot of advanced technical innovations that have only 96 elements on the entire tire surface. Their efficiency is approximately the same as that of options with 130 – 190 elements. This is because new technologies are used here (for example, rubber composition, number of lamellas, shape and fit of the stud, etc.). The braking distance of these new products is at the level of the most “toothy analogues”, so there is room for improvement.
Well, now I want to take several manufacturers and count the number of studs on a tire, so let’s start.
Winter tireR13
Perhaps the most popular option, because almost all state employees wear the R13 (especially the rear-wheel drive VAZ versions that were produced earlier). Since the tires are new, I will assume that all the elements are trivial. I got the manufacturer “Nokian Nordman 5”, let’s start counting.
So, the total quantity is 110 pieces, as I believe that many budget representatives of this class have approximately the same number of elements.
RubberR14
Now, according to statistics, the R14 tire is beginning to displace the R13 in popularity, for example, our GRANTA, PRIORA, KALINA, even in budget trim levels, already have R14 on wheels.
Let’s start counting, again the same “Nokian” and again the same 110 spikes.
OptionR15
These types of tires are now worn even in budget trim levels. a large number of foreign cars produced both in Russia and imported from abroad. Yes, and our domestic cars in “full” trim levels are equipped with R15 shoes.
There is no intrigue here, again Nordman 5 and again 110 studs. This means that for Nokian the quantity does not depend on the diameter. Actually, like many other manufacturers, such as KAMA, KORDIANT, Bridgestone, Gislaved and others.
Winter tiresR16
This is used in foreign cars of class “C” or in complete configurations of class “B” foreign cars. For example, my Chevrolet AVEO is exactly this size.
I came across the manufacturer “NEXEN”, an unknown Chinese, I took it on purpose, we start counting, the total is 108 pieces
Big tiresR17
These sizes are used either on executive cars or on SUVs. The tires are really big, let's see if there are more studs or not.
I got the Goodyear Ultragrip company, let's start counting, the total is 130 studs.
WinterR18
Actually, this is the last option, and I want to finish with it, this is “TOYO TIRES”, large in diameter. Oddly enough, there are only 100 elements in it!
About big sizes R19 - R20 makes no sense to write, after all, this is not such a common tire.
Test winner
Excellent traction during braking and acceleration. Easy to operate even in difficult situations. Calm and predictable behavior in the snow. No surprises.
Test winner
Auto Motor & Sport 21/2016
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 205/55R16
Safe and predictable in winter road conditions. Impressive performance on dry asphalt. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 received maximum scores in all tests on snow and dry asphalt, they are recognized as the best tire on snow and ice.
Test winner
Norway
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 205/55R16
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 received the highest rating in all positions on the ice. There is no doubt that the 190 studs help on slippery roads.
Test winner
AutoReview 18/2016
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 185/65R15
An excellent tire in icy conditions: the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 dominates all tests carried out on ice. Better than other tires in deep snow. An essential tire on slippery roads.
Test winner
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 195/65R15
Excellent lateral grip on ice, best acceleration on snowy roads and excellent maneuverability. Very low fuel consumption.
Test winner
AutoReview 18/2015
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 205/55R16
The tires dominated the test on all winter surfaces, especially ice. The shortest braking distance and the best acceleration on ice. Excellent traction on ice and snow.
Test winner
Za Rulem 10/2015
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 205/55R16
Better braking and lateral grip on ice. First-class grip on snow. Excellent maneuverability in deep snow. Precise steering feel on winter roads and excellent stability on dry asphalt. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires perform well in all winter conditions and help save fuel.
Test winner
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 175/65R14
Better grip on ice. Logical handling on winter roads. Low fuel consumption.
Test winner
Tuulilasi 12/2016
Finland
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 205/55R16
Best test result (shared 1st place)
Tekniikan Maailma 17/2016
Finland
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 205/55R16
Excellent performance on ice and good handling in extreme situations. Short braking distances on all surfaces and very good driving performance in all winter conditions.
Test winner
Tuulilasi 12/2015
Finland
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 205/55R16
The best studded tires on ice and snow. Excellent grip on ice. Lowest fuel consumption.
Test winner
Tekniikan Maailma 17/2015
Finland
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 205/55R16
Easy to control also in extreme circumstances. Confident grip and steering response. Very low rolling resistance.
Test winner
Vi Bilägare 14/2016
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 205/55R16
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 performs best in difficult conditions. Braking on ice is incomparably better than that of competitors, braking and acceleration on snowy roads is also at an excellent level. The tire is easy to control in extreme conditions, low fuel consumption.
Test winner
Motorföraren 7/2015
Excellent results on ice and snow. Top scores in six out of 12 tests. Lowest rolling resistance and fuel consumption.
Test winner
Auto Motor & Sport 22/2015
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 225/45R17
Good characteristics on snow. Good lateral grip. Balanced under hard braking. Accurate steering reactions on ice. Easy to control on wet asphalt. Fast reactions on dry asphalt.
Test winner
Aftonbladet 10/7/2015
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 205/55R16
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires showed outstanding results on ice, short braking distances and very good lateral grip make the tire easy to drive on ice. The more slippery the road, the more outstanding the tires perform. Quiet tires with low rolling resistance.
Test winner
Vi Bilägare 13/2015
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 205/55R16
Champion tire on ice and snow. Very good on ice, excellent grip when cornering. Lowest rolling resistance in the test.
Test winner
Auto Motor og Sport 10/2015
Norway
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 225/45R17
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires showed good results on snow. Good lateral grip. Tires give a feeling of safe driving. Stable tires even during emergency braking. The tires respond precisely to steering on ice. Good balance on wet asphalt, easy to control. Fast steering response on dry asphalt.
Test winner
Norway
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 205/55R16
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires are the tires that perform best in the most difficult conditions. The tires showed the best results in all tests on ice. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires also provide a better driving experience on snow.
