Nokian Rockproof Tire Has Professional Off-Roaders in Mind

Sept. 9, 2016

The Rockproof tire line by Nokian Tyres plc is targeting professional off-road drivers who need extreme durability from the tires on their light trucks and SUVs.

The Rockproof line was developed in conjunction with Nokian Heavy Tyres Ltd., and is designed to perform in quarries, forests, and mining areas. The cut-resistant Rockproof hybrid tread compound and aggressive tread pattern provide resistance in rough off-road conditions, durability, and the comfort of a passenger car tire.

It's been tested by professionals at mines and quarries.

For the past few months, Logging operator Tom Brain of Dyer Logging put the Nokian Rockproof tires through real-world testing in the Canadian Rockies of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Brain’s Ford F-350 4x4 was outfitted with the Rockproof tires and put to work in forestry logging sites and roads consisting mostly of shot rock.

“Nokian Rockproof tires have outlasted all the other brands we’ve had on our truck," says Brain. "We’ve put on roughly 31,000 miles and more than half of that is on gravel. What we found is that these tires have stood up better than anything we’ve had on the last two trucks, by far.”

The optimized tread block support provides more precise handling and stability, Nokian says. Two different side angles and the staggered support on the block sides ensure the tire’s tread blocks remain firm and that the groove bottoms will not be damaged even during rougher driving. The reinforced upper part of the sidewall provides additional protection against puncture and cut damage caused by sharp rocks, the company says.

The stone ejectors at the groove bottoms of the tire prevent sharp and jagged stones from attaching to the tread surface and penetrating the tire structure. Nokian says the stone ejectors improve the tire’s service life and offer additional protection by preventing tire body damage, especially on uneven terrain.

The Aramid Sidewall technology developed by Nokian offers durability and protection for demanding driving conditions. The company says the Rockproof tire’s sidewall structure contains extremely strong aramid fiber. The fiber reinforces the sidewall, making it more resistant to impacts and cuts that could otherwise damage it.

“Off-road driving and the toughest professional use require extreme durability from tires, and puncture protection in particular," says Olli Seppälä, product development manager for Nokian. "Under these conditions, tires may sometimes have unpleasantly short service lives. Accidental damage causes a lot of additional costs and tire changes result in additional work. The tire has excellent cut resistance due to the tread compound that was developed for use in mines. The tire’s strong structure and aramid sidewalls protect the tire against damage from the sides. This product has been developed for improving the efficiency of demanding professional use."

Sizing and specifications

The speed rating of this new tire is Q (up to 99 mph), and in North America it will be available in 13 sizes. In Europe the offerings will span eight sizes. The Nokian Rockproof will be available to consumers in early 2017.

Sizes available in North America

LT245/75 R 16

LT225/75 R 16                             

LT285/75 R 16

LT265/75 R 16

LT315/70 R 17

LT285/70 R 17

LT265/70 R 17

LT245/70 R 17

LT245/75 R 17

LT235/80 R 17

LT275/65 R 18

LT275/70 R 18

LT275/65 R 20

The unique, red Rockproof logo of this new tire is located on the sidewall. The logo initially will be available in the size 315/70R17 and may possibly be added to other sizes later.

For more information about Nokian, visit www.nokiantires.com.