Nokian develops new tread for truck tires

Jan. 16, 2015

Nokian Tyres plc is producing a new truck and bus tire for its Nokian Heavy Tyres segment. The Nokian NTR 52 steer axle tire for trucks and buses is designed for medium and long distance use.

The tire has been designed for the Central Europe, Russia and Nordic countries, and the first three sizes will become available in 2015:

315/70R22.5 156/154L (154/150M)

315/80R22.5 156/154L (154/150M)

295/80R22.5 152/148M

This new tire meets the EURO 6 load carrying capacity requirements and has a higher load index than its predecessor, the Nokian NTR 32. The Nokian NTR 52 has an M+S label and is suited for all-year use. The new construction and tread compound offer good durability and excellent grip under main road conditions.

Nokian Heavy Tyres has developed an entirely new type of tread pattern. The tread pattern has innovative, zigzag shaped grooves. The design of the new pattern is protected in Europe.

The company says the Nokian NTR 52 offers excellent wear resistance. As the tire wears down, its grooves become more zigzag shaped; this increases the lateral support of the ribs and improves driving stability. The grooves also reduce stone trapping in the main grooves. These features ensure that the tire works reliably even when worn, says Teppo Siltanen, product manager for truck tires at Nokian Heavy Tyres.

Combined with the new construction and tread pattern, Nokian says the even wear shape ensures a long service life and more distance. The low rolling resistance, for its part, brings fuel cost savings and ensures smooth driving comfort. The low rolling noise of the tire improves driving comfort even further.

The Driving Safety Indicator (DSI), developed and patented by Nokian Tyres, makes it easier to follow the safety and wear of the tire. It displays the remaining amount of tread surface on the tire's main grooves in numbers.