Choosing your tires
What do Winter Tires, Innovation, and Tire Testing Have in Common?
Winter tires, winter tire innovation, and tire testing have in common? They're the qualities that set Nokian Tyres apart. Read on to learn more.
When the road turns icy and temperatures drop, your tires become more than just rubber; they become your lifeline. The right tires are like an insurance policy, providing the peace of mind that comes with staying safe in the worst winter conditions.
Nokian Tyres doesn’t just make winter tires; we invented them. And we’ve spent the last nine decades obsessing over them. Here’s why Nokian Tyres stands alone when it comes to winter driving confidence.
Nokian Tyres Invented Winter Tires
A Legacy of Firsts: The Inventor of the Winter Tire
In 1934, Nokian Tyres created the world’s first winter tire, designed to tackle the harsh Nordic conditions. That pioneering spirit still drives us today, and it’s baked into every one of our Hakkapeliitta winter products.
Our roots are in Finland, where winter is a way of life. That gives us unmatched insight into what drivers around the world need when the weather turns, including the severe winters that slam the northern United States and Canada. Every Nokian Tyres winter tire carries the DNA of that original innovation, built to deliver safety, control and peace of mind in the most demanding conditions.
Innovation That Leads the Industry
Being the inventor of the winter tire only matters if you remain the chief innovator of the winter tire. We don’t just keep up with winter tire technology; we lead it. In fact, we’ve earned more winter tire patents than any other tiremaker.
From our revolutionary stud patterns that maximize braking and lateral traction, to the Snow Claws that grip ice and snow, to Arctic Grip Crystals that enhance our non-studded Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta R5 at the microscopic level, Nokian Tyres is constantly pushing the boundaries of what winter tires can do. We even have the world records to prove it.
Our tires are designed to stay flexible in extreme cold, resist wear and reduce rolling resistance for better fuel efficiency. Whether you're navigating slushy city streets or remote mountain passes, our technology adapts to keep you moving safely.
Tested Beyond Limits: Tire Testing in White Hell (Ivalo)
Before a Nokian Tyres winter tire ever reaches your vehicle, it’s put through the paces at our legendary Ivalo Test Center, located 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Known as “White Hell,” this facility simulates the most brutal winter conditions imaginable via dozens of tracks that test every possible capability. Our engineers test every tread pattern, compound, and siping design on ice tracks, snow-covered slopes and frozen lakes to ensure maximum performance. If a tire can survive Ivalo, it can handle anything your winter throws at it.
Ready for Winter? We Are.
Choosing Nokian Tyres means choosing a legacy of innovation, a commitment to safety, and a tire that’s been tested where winter is at its worst. When you’re ready to take on the season, we’re ready to take you there…with confidence.
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Please remember that it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure their tires are safe and suitable for their vehicle and to follow the vehicle’s manufacturer´s guidelines for proper use and maintenance. Consult your closest Nokian Tyres dealer or your vehicle’s manufacturer for specific advice.
