Nokian’s latest Hakkapeliitta 01 tires feature metal studs that can automatically extend and retract according to the weather conditions.
In the movie “The Living Daylights” from 1987, James Bond uses a dashboard button to activate retractable tire studs for better traction on ice. This technology is becoming a reality. Finnish tire company Nokian is introducing a new snow tire with temperature-responsive studs later this year. The Hakkapeliitta 01 tires will be available in North America and Europe, especially targeting Nordic countries.
Studded tires are known for enhancing grip and handling on icy or snowy roads, but they can cause a rough ride and damage to roads when used on dry surfaces. To address this, Nokian, which separated from Nokia in 1988, has spent 12 years developing the Hakkapeliitta 01 winter tire.
These tires incorporate metal studs aligned in various directions for optimal traction. They use a multilayer design with materials that react to temperature changes. In cold conditions, the material hardens, pushing the studs out; in warm conditions, it softens, retracting the studs.
This approach isn’t flawless, as studs might extend in cold weather even when roads are dry. However, compared to Nokian’s Hakkapeliitta 10 tires with fixed studs, the new Hakkapeliitta 01 tires reduce road wear by up to 30% and improve ice grip by 10%, according to the company.