The cold weather brings with it an array of challenges. Tyre manufacturer Hankook has been busy making preparations for the imminent wintry weather with its range of winter tyres for commercial vehicles.
The latest model of the i*cept series, the Winter i*cept LV for vans and transporters, is not only especially suited for winter, but also leads to increased mileage, and therefore good economy. Hankook’s engineers achieved an increase in mileage of about 10% compared to conventional models, including a wider tread design. An optimised groove structure on the shoulder block prevents irregular wear and contributes to increased mileage and economy, which is of particular interest to fleet managers. The Hankook Winter i*cept LV will initially be introduced in a total of 12 sizes, from 15-17”, with tread widths from 175-235mm and aspect ratios from 75-60 in the R and T speed indices.
Hankook is also expanding its portfolio for the van and light truck category with the new Vantra ST AS 2, an all-season tyre with the 3PMSF symbol. The new Vantra ST AS 2 is particularly strong during the cold season on road surfaces that are common in urban areas. With the tyre’s specially developed ‘Ice-Philic-Technology’, it ensures increased grip, even at lower temperatures. This innovation in Hankook’s all-season tyre line-up is now available in 12 sizes from 14-16” with tread widths of 185- 235mm and aspect ratios of 80 – 60 in the speed indices Q, R, T and H. Further sizes are currently under development.
Particularly as the winter gets under way, drivers and fleets must be equipped to face the toughest conditions throughout winter in order to avoid expensive downtimes and arrive safely at their destination. Hankook is well prepared, and its winter solution for truck and bus, SmartControl optimum, offers snow traction and safety, as well as maintaining a high mileage and braking performance. The range includes the AW02, which is suitable for use on all axles, and the DW07 for the drive axle.
A specially developed compound mixture is used in the SmartControl range, which makes the tyre particularly resistant to the cold, allowing for a high braking performance even at very low temperatures. This, combined with the special structure in the composition of the SmartControl line, means that belt movements can be reduced to a minimum, resulting in overall cooler-running tyre temperatures and therefore greater fuel-efficiency. In addition, Hankook claims that its SCCT (Stiffness Control Contour Theory) technology guarantees an optimised contour for good handling, and the advanced bead wire tread contributes to good retreadability. Furthermore, the tread of the SmartControl DW07 has been designed with a particularly wide tread in comparison to its predecessor, which increases the contact area between the tyre and the surface, improving grip and handling.
