The Dunlop Winter Maxx SJ8 non-studded winter tire is one of the novelties of the world-famous British manufacturer, now owned by Goodyear. Like the previous model, this tire is intended primarily for owners of crossovers, SUVs, and other off-road vehicles. Another hallmark of the Winter Maxx SJ8 is its excellent applicability. This model is offered in three dozen different sizes for wheels with rim diameters from 15 to 19 inches.
Improved grip on winter roads
According to sociological studies commissioned by Dunlop among buyers of its products, the overwhelming majority of respondents were satisfied with the use of the previous model. However, many of them indicated excellent grip on snow and ice.
The new generation of non-studded tires for SUVs
The innovative technology of the 4D NANO design rubber compound allowed studying the created material at the molecular level: it became stronger, but at the same time remained quite elastic. This feature allows the tire to adhere more tightly to the road surface, enveloping bumps on it as much as possible and guaranteeing excellent grip.
Tire material characteristics are simulated using 4D NANO DESIGN technology
The created material has elasticity, which ensures the adhesion of the tread to the irregularities of the icy surface. Maximum rubber strength prevents tread blocks from breaking.
Increased number of lamellas per unit area
The novelty is even better in this respect. This is largely due to the unique 4D Nano Design technology. It is a complex of technical solutions that affected most of the components of the tire, from the tread pattern to the composition of the rubber compound. Its effectiveness can be judged by the braking distance on ice, which was demonstrated by the Winter Maxx SJ8. It turned out to be 11% shorter than the Grandtrek SJ7, which is not at all helpless on icy roads.
Increased number of lamellas
Much of the Winter Maxx SJ8's advantage comes from the increased number of sipes. British tire workers managed to increase the density of sipes by a quarter at once. In this case, the lamellas became significantly longer, and their edges became sharper. These design features allow the contact patch to be positioned with engaging edges that easily penetrate the water film on the ice surface.
T-grooves
Another original innovation is the T-shaped grooves, which are located in the tread blocks of the central part. Their main functional purpose is to ensure maximum traction and coupling properties in the longitudinal direction, as well as the accuracy and speed of execution of the driver's commands. This greatly facilitates the process of driving when driving on snowy roads.
High-performance drainage system
When developing the Dunlop Winter Maxx SJ8, special attention was paid to resistance to aquaplaning and slash planning. To achieve this, the longitudinal drainage grooves located in the central part of the tread have been given a zigzag shape. It promotes a more rapid accumulation of moisture through the adjacent transverse drainage channels. In combination with the significant internal volume of these tread elements, this design feature allows the tire to quickly get rid of not only almost any amount of water but also much heavier masses of melted snow. As a result, the Winter Maxx SJ8 demonstrates excellent resistance to both aquaplaning and slash planning, thus providing reliable traction even in the most adverse weather conditions.
Main features of the Dunlop Winter Maxx SJ8 tire
- excellent grip on any winter roads thanks to 4D Nano Design technology, which is a complex of technical solutions affecting, to one degree or another, all components of the tire structure;
- the original V-shaped design of the symmetrical directional tread pattern provides reliable and predictable handling in all road and weather conditions;
- increased by a quarter compared to the previous model, the number of sipes, which are longer, and their edges are sharper, thanks to which the tire demonstrates the excellent grip on ice, without noisy studs;
- excellent traction and grip properties in the longitudinal direction on snow are provided due to the many T-shaped grooves located in the central part of the tread;
- zigzag longitudinal drainage grooves have a significant internal volume, which allows the contact patch to quickly get rid of not only water but also snow slush, thereby providing excellent resistance to both aquaplaning and slash planning.