The Toyo Open Country A / T II light all-season tire, like its predecessor, which has enjoyed well-deserved popularity for many years, is designed for SUVs, crossovers, and pickups. This model belongs to the All-Terrain category, which means that the tire is excellently suited for use in a wide variety of conditions, including rocky terrain and highways. The tire is offered in several dozen standard sizes, ranging from 15 to 22 inches.
The Toyo Open Country A / T II's signature tread design has undergone major revisions. However, like the previous model, this tire also features an S-shaped tread design with a symmetrical non-directional pattern. The tread consists of five longitudinally spaced ribs, divided by numerous drainage channels into separate blocks. Simply put, the entire tread is made up of individual blocks, the shape of which is replete with numerous edges and sharp corners. This structure of the tread pattern is a guarantee that the contact patch at any given time has a large number of multidirectional clutch edges. This allows for a superior grip on snow, mud, and dirt roads.
The additional grip on loose unstable soils is provided by the structure of the shoulder tread zones. The blocks of this part of the tread are made in an aggressive design, which is characterized by massive dimensions and high height. In addition, the blocks of the shoulder zones are made in a rectangular shape and are located transversely relative to the direction of movement, due to which it was possible to significantly increase the efficiency of braking and acceleration on slippery surfaces.
Toyo Open Country A / T II AW is an “all-terrain” all-weather tire for light truck and off-road vehicles, introduced by the Japanese manufacturer in the spring of 2018 as a special development for the Canadian market. They are characterized by a high level of safety on dry and wet road surfaces, as well as stability of grip on winter surfaces.
The Toyo Open Country A / T II AW tires are essentially an updated and more winter-adapted version of the Open Country A / T II model.
It should also be noted the high structural rigidity of the shoulder areas of the tread, which made it possible to ensure more uniform wear of the tread due to the optimal distribution of pressure over the contact patch. This, as well as other design solutions, has significantly increased the service life of the tire.
According to the developers themselves, these AW-branded all-season tires can be a good substitute for real winter tires, says a Shina.Guide technician. The OPAT II AW model is equipped with the 3PMSF pictogram, confirming its high grip on snow at low temperatures. Recall that the average annual temperature of the warmest regions of Canada does not exceed 11 ° C, and in some villages in the far north in winter the temperature can drop to -50 ° C.
Aggressive sidewalls for increased flotation in mud and snow
Large tread blocks increase the Toyo Open Country A / T II AW's stability on asphalt and off-paved roads. The increased number of sipes increases the contact density of the tire with icy roads and other slippery surfaces.
The special shape of the blocks contributes to increased traction during acceleration and deceleration
The special shape of the blocks contributes to the strengthening of traction during acceleration and deceleration
Wide annular and transverse drainage grooves increase the stability of the model in aquaplaning and slash planning, and as a result, it’s handling on wet asphalt and snow.
Special design elements for increased traction in deep mud, snow, and slush
The chamfered sidewalls of the Toyo Open Country A / T II AW tread blocks help the tire handle mud, slush, and snow. Special bridges connecting the tread blocks prevent deformation of the tread and prevent uneven wear.
Jumper bridges that stabilize tread blocks, prevent uneven wear and road noise
The variable pitch of the tread pattern helps to reduce internal noise and increase the traction of the tire.
Main Features of Japanese Toyo Open Country A / T II Tire
- Exceptionally high tread resistance to abrasion is provided by a new rubber compound, as well as a reinforced carcass and numerous changes in the tread pattern, which have improved resistance to uneven wear;
- Excellent grip and excellent handling on various types of surfaces, thanks to the S-shaped design of the tread pattern adapted to various road conditions;
- Special stone ejectors located between the tread blocks provide the excellent self-cleaning performance of the tread.