Nokian's New Studded Winter Tire That I Drove on a Frozen Lake in Finland Can Do Something Amazing
Car and Driver
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Nokian Tyres has introduced its groundbreaking Hakkapeliitta 01 studded winter tire, featuring innovative Double Action Stud technology that adapts to changing temperatures and road conditions. This advancement allows the studs to extend or retract automatically, reducing noise by up to 30% and minimizing pavement damage compared to traditional studded tires. The tire's adaptive system relies on three layers of specialized compound material: a reactive base layer that stiffens in cold weather, an anchor layer for controlled movement, and a locking compound to maintain alignment.
The studs themselves are star-shaped metal tips embedded within the tread. In subzero conditions, they stay engaged for maximum traction, while warmer temperatures cause the surrounding compounds to soften, allowing the studs to retract slightly upon contact with the road. This mechanism enhances grip during acceleration and braking in the center of the tire, while studs near the edges are rotated 180 degrees to improve steering and cornering performance.
Nokian's Hakkapeliitta 01 also incorporates SilentDrive Technology for reduced interior noise and Aramid Strong sidewalls for added durability. Its tread design varies across the surface, with
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Originally published on Car and Driver on 3/3/2026