However, a scattering of small “diamonds” on the rubber ring is evident a little later. The first thing you notice is an asymmetric tread pattern: one half resembles the legendary Gislaved Nord Frost 3, the second is similar to the equally famous ContiWinterViking 1.
In the middle part of the tread there is an almost continuous rib, and on its sides are its developed longitudinal grooves. Their task is to hide in themselves snow-water porridge and water. The rib itself is designed to provide high tread stiffness in the transverse direction, which is important for good handling. And at the same time helps to reduce tire wear. Step stiffeners, coupled to each other under load, add toughness to the tread during cornering. This improves handling on the asphalt and, according to tire manufacturers, ensures the stability of tire performance regardless of its wear.
Now let's take a closer look at the “jewels”. Those who understand a lot about diamonds will only shrug their shoulders - not that cut, and what a material for jewelry work is a carbide rod! Most of all, the apex of the spike resembles a gable roof in miniature, located perpendicular to the plane of rolling of the wheel. However, according to Kontinental, these diamond “cloves” outperform conventional ones by 11% (!).
Another difference between the new tires is the rubber composition. It now contains highly active carbon black and a new silicon polymer. The objective of these additives is to provide high grip on wet, icy and snowy roads at any temperature.
