New winter tire with retractable studs
The company Nokian, which invented winter tires back in 1934, has introduced a revolutionary novelty. Their latest development is a winter tire with studs that can automatically extend or retract depending on the ambient temperature. This technology sounds like something out of science fiction.
The model is named Hakkapeliitta 01 and is positioned as the world’s first studded winter tire that automatically adapts to weather changes. The studs in it literally “turn on” and “turn off”.
A long road from idea to production
The idea of creating such a tire has been studied by the company for more than ten years. The concept of a winter tire with retractable studs was presented back in 2014. Since then, engineers have continuously worked on improving the technology, testing thousands of prototypes in various conditions — from laboratory benches to the harsh roads beyond the Arctic Circle.
We have developed a solution where grip is automatically adjusted depending on the temperature, providing maximum safety when needed, and a more controlled, softer contact with the road when it is not. This helps drivers account for winter weather, which has become less predictable, as well as navigate new regulations related to the impact of tires on road surfaces.
How the adaptive stud technology works
The innovation is based on a special adaptive base layer in which the studs are placed. When the temperature drops, this layer hardens and pushes the studs outward, locking them in the working position. When it gets warmer outside, the layer material softens and creates less pressure on the studs, allowing them to retract completely inside the tread.
Advantages of the new model
Compared to the previous Hakkapeliitta 10 model, the new tire offers a number of significant improvements:
The tire is designed for passenger cars, crossovers, and SUVs and will be available in 122 sizes, from 14 to 22 inches.
Release and prospects
The launch of the Hakkapeliitta 01 tires for sale is scheduled for this autumn. Production will be established at the company’s plant in the city of Nokia, Finland. The question of price remains open, but it can be assumed that such innovative tires will not be cheap.
The emergence of such adaptive tires could be a response to climate change and legislation. Increasingly frequent winter thaws make conventional winter studs redundant and harmful to asphalt in mild weather, while in frost they are indispensable for safety. Technology that itself decides when to use them is capable of significantly increasing the comfort and environmental friendliness of vehicle operation in the cold season, while simultaneously reducing road repair costs. The success of this novelty on the market will directly depend on its reliability and durability in real conditions, as mechanical elements in the tire structure have always been an additional challenge for engineers.