The Yokohama Ice Guard SUV G075 winter tire was developed to replace the Geolandar I / T-S, a popular model that had some shortcomings. The most significant of these was the grip properties, which significantly improved in the new product. The use of the latest technologies and materials allowed it to surpass its predecessor in most other driving characteristics.
G075 is now a member of the iceGUARD family, unlike its predecessor G073 from the Geolandar breed. And now the G075 is considered by Yokohama to be the first iceGUARD studless tire for SUVs in the history of the brand.
What have the developers of this novelty focused on? There were several traditional directions in the priorities. The first is to improve the braking properties of the tire on ice for SUVs. Secondly, it improves grip on ice throughout the tire's life. Third, improving fuel efficiency. We achieved this through our innovative technologies. These include a super moisture-absorbing rubber compound, a redesigned directional tread pattern, and triple 3D sipes. There were other tasks, for example, noise reduction, heating of the tread layer, energy losses.
As a result, according to the company's measurements, the braking distance of the G075 on the ice became 23% shorter compared to the G073, and the rolling resistance decreased by 5%. The tread noise level relative to G073 (Conventional) for SUVs and CUVs of iceGUARD G075 has decreased from 58.9 to 57.5 dB, and the energy loss while maintaining rigidity has become 24% less than a conventional tread.
Universal drainage grooves
To a large extent, the grip on winter surfaces was improved due to the multifunctionality of the grooves running between the blocks and the ribs of the tread. In addition to drainage, these elements also perform other functions. In particular, the longitudinal grooves of a zigzag shape, providing the contact patch with additional edges, improve grip on an icy surface. In addition, this design at the intersection allows the tread to better grip the snowy surface, thanks to the ability to grip and hold snow.
High control precision
Another advantage over the previous model is the increased control precision. This parameter was also improved due to the features in the design of the tread. A wide unbreakable rib runs along its center, resistant to deformation, like the shoulder blocks. These elements provide a faster transfer of lateral acceleration forces to the supporting elements of the frame. As a result, the tire responds with almost lightning speed to the driver's actions, giving the driving process precision and transparent feedback.
Lamellas in all tread zones
Compared to the previous model, the lamellar density has been significantly increased. The miniature slots are positioned a few millimeters apart, as are the clutch edges they form. This is made possible by the 3D design of the lamellas. This design prevents them from closing under the influence of the weight of the car, and in addition, limits the mobility of the blocks, which has a positive effect on handling and maneuverability on various types of surfaces.
Optimized rubber compound
Most of the grip on ice is not provided by the tread design, but by some of the properties of the rubber compound. It contains components that allow the tire to absorb moisture from an icy surface. This "drying" of the contact patch ensures 100% use of all the capabilities of the tread. In addition, the compound contains special polymers. With their help, the tire literally sticks to the icy surface, fitting even the smallest irregularities as tightly as possible. This property is retained even at very low ambient temperatures. The effectiveness of, in fact, a new compound can be assessed by the test results. In comparison with its predecessor, this model demonstrates a quarter less braking distance on ice. As you know, the water film layer above the ice surface makes the greatest contribution to the loss of traction and controllability. This phenomenon is called “micro aquaplaning on ice”. Conventional tires run over the water film surface, especially at surface temperatures in the 21 to 32 F range, as the water film thickness exceeds the tire's ability to effectively wick moisture out of the contact patch. Thanks to the powerful water-absorbing components in the composition of the G075 mixture, direct contact of the tread with the ice surface is ensured. Yokohama's original superabsorbent formulation was made from microbubbles and white gel particles. They remove water film from the ice surface and provide improved road contact. This rubber compound is softer even at low temperatures. This creates a micro-edge effect on the ice.
The second most important factor is the tread pattern. The new iceGUARD G075 pattern increases the contact patch on ice and snow with a developed center rib and triple 3D sipes. And diagonal micro-slats and zigzag main and secondary longitudinal grooves maximize the edge effect on icy and snowy roads.
Main features of Yokohama Ice Guard SUV G075
- the universal grooves, due to their zigzag shape, provide not only more efficient drainage and cleaning of the contact patch from a mixture of water and snow but also improved grip on snow;
- increased control accuracy due to the stiffness of the shoulder blocks and an unbreakable wide longitudinal rib in the center;
- high density of slats provided by the three-dimensional design of the slots, which fixes them in the open position in contact with the road and limits the mobility of the blocks;
- a compound that absorbs water from the road surface and is elastic at very low temperatures