This Tire Changes Grip Depending On The Weather

Nokian's Hakkapeliita 01 has studs that extend or retract depending on the temperature.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01 Studded Snow Tire

Photo by: Nokian

Jeff Glucker

By: Jeff Glucker

Mar 3, at 9:00am ET

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THE BREAKDOWN

The Hakkapeliitta 01 studded snow tire changes grip based on the temperature.
These tires feature "smart" studs that extend or retract.
The result is less road noise, less road wear, and improved grip.

Studded snow tires are an important feature for any car driving in the coldest conditions. The best option has long been Nokian's Hakkapelitta. It grips well on ice, stops well in slippery conditions, and can plow through deep snow.

Still, studded snow tires are not without their problems. The studs exacerbate road wear and are loud when driven on pavement. Nokian has come up with a solution, and it's pretty amazing: a smarter tire that can extend or retract its studs automatically based on temperature.

Gallery: Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01 Studded Snow Tires

Nokian Hakkapeliita 01 Studded Snow Tires

Source: Nokian

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01 is the world's first winter tire with on-demand grip. As the tire temperature changes, the studs either stiffen and stay extended or relax and retract deeper into the tire.

This action occurs thanks to a unique base layer embedded inthe cap of the tire. This is where the studs are anchored in the rubber. As the tire gets colder, the studs remain stiff. But as the tire warms up, the studs can push deeper into the treads.

The result is a studded snow tire that is quieter, less harmful to the road surface, and still offers grip improvements over other tire options—including past versions of the Hakkapeliitta that don't feature this new tech.

What do you think?

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Motor1's Take: Any innovative news in the tire space is interesting, but this latest tire from Nokian is downright fascinating. The Hakkapeliitta 01 can automatically adjust grip based on temperature, while delivering an improved level of grip compared to its predecessors. Nokian has created something pretty amazing here.

While the market may be relatively small compared to other tire segments, there's still demand for an aggressive Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake and Ice-rated tire. Nokian has once again proven why it's the best in the business in this segment.

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Source: Nokian

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