Grabber Arctic
What do you think a winter tire should be? Probably many will say that winter tires should ride equally well on ice and snow. And indeed it is. But, let us clarify, a good winter tire should ride equally well on ice, and on packed snow, and on loose snow, and even on road slush. However, in addition to these requirements, other requirements are assumed for winter tires. And all these requirements are fully met by Grabber Arctic tires and we will tell you about them in this short review.
Grabber Arctic - purpose and features of use
The Grabber Arctic is a winter studded tire designed for SUVs and light trucks. The tires were originally designed for use on flat road surfaces and rough terrain. The tire works equally effectively on ice, on ice chips on packed snow, and on loose snow. How is this versatility ensured?
The secret lies in the combination of metal studs, a special tread pattern, and a high tech rubber compound. At the same time, Grabber Arctic tires not only handle well but also demonstrate high resistance to mechanical damage and wear resistance.
What is it made of
Almost all tires are made of rubber and the Grabber Arctic is no exception. But, unlike other tires, several rubber compounds are used for the Grabber Arctic. The upper working layer is made of foam rubber, which provides the greatest friction in the contact patch with the road. The main base layer is made of denser rubber. To reduce the weight of the finished tire, a polymer filler is added to this rubber layer. The inner layer is a porous soft rubber that dissipates noise and vibrations, which in conventional tires are transmitted to the rims and further into the car interior.
The Grabber Arctic tires use metal reinforcement. Wire braid runs along with the entire tire. A steel cord runs along the sidewalls and along the perimeter of the central rib. The metal reinforcement on the one hand saves the tire from breakdowns, and on the other hand, prevents deformation of the disc when hitting curbs and snow-covered obstacles. Another purpose of the cords is to store the bus configuration. Thanks to this, the tread is worn evenly over the entire contact patch with the road.
Tread features
Despite the fact that the tread used in the Grabber Arctic tires is not too pronounced and even less aggressive, it is very effective. The tread pattern is symmetrical directional, that is, for normal operation, the tire must be installed on the correct side.
The tread pattern consists of a central rib, from which drainage grooves diverge diagonally to both sides. Diagonally positioned grooves divert slush and loose snow from the center of the tire-road contact patch. On packed snow and ice, these diagonal grooves provide extra traction. The inner surface of the tread grooves is chamfered in the direction of rotation of the wheel. Thus, the tread provides improved traction.
An important feature of this tread is the block amplifiers. Conventionally, the tread pattern is made up of a certain number of blocks, along the perimeter of which a groove runs. To keep the tread blocks in their original shape for a long time, the groove walls are reinforced from the inside.
Cleats for improved grip on ice
There are a certain number of contact holes along the entire perimeter of the central rib of the tire, into which studs are screwed, if necessary. The arrangement of the studs is not accidental - it, together with the tread pattern, provides optimal traction on a road surface covered with ice or rolled snow.
For the main part of the season, tires are used with the studs removed, and if necessary, the studs are screwed in. The pins are standard, so you can use not only General Tire pins but also pins from other manufacturers.
Grabber Arctic Technologies
These tires are literally packed with technology. Unlike conventional tires, there are applied strengthening technologies that improve handling on slippery surfaces, provide acoustic comfort, etc.
- Duragen is a technology that hardens the tire in the contact area with the road surface. That is, the central rib and the edge passing into the sidewalls have been strengthened.
- StabilyTread - another technology, but here it is the central rib that is strengthened. As a result, the contact patch with the road surface is uniform. And the tread wears off evenly.
- Robust Compound - this technology makes the rubber more rigid, which significantly increases the strength of the finished product.
- Three Peak Mountain Snowflake - This tire meets 3PMSF all-weather standards as evidenced by a snowflake icon set against a mountain with three peaks.
These are just a few of the benefits that have a direct bearing on the ride quality and service life of a tire. There are many other technologies, but we will not focus on them.
Grabber Arctic Benefits
Grabber Arctic tires have been designed with many tests in Alaska and the northern provinces of Canada. General Tire chose these locations for a reason, because it is here, in the harshest conditions, that you can find out how winter tires will behave in real use. As a result, numerous tests combined with design features and applied technologies provide the following advantages:
- More accurate and safer cornering. With these tires, the ABS system engages faster, and therefore the car enters a corner without skidding. Well, in addition, the turns are passed more accurately due to the better grip of the wheels with the road.
- Short braking distance. This is an important advantage due to better traction.
- Start without slipping. The advantage is relevant for slippery roads, as the car starts and drives confidently uphill.
- Long service life. These winter tires exhibit high abrasion resistance and therefore last an average of 1.5 times longer than tires from other manufacturers.
- Affordable price. Despite their excellent handling characteristics and high workmanship, these tires are inexpensive compared to most American car tires.
Disadvantages of Grabber Arctic
All the disadvantages of these tires are usually attributed to improper installation on rims or out-of-season use. Otherwise, no operational shortcomings were noticed.
Buy or not
Whether you own a compact or a large SUV or drive a pickup truck, the Grabber Arctic tires are what you need for the winter. By choosing these tires, you get comfortable, predictable, and safe driving. Plus, by choosing these tires, you can save money.
You will save money the first time you buy as these tires are inexpensive. The second time you can save money by stopping by for a gas station. The Grabber Arctic, like all modern General Tire tires, provides fuel economy, as consumption is about 1.5 times lower than with other tires. What other reasons do you need to buy these tires?