Vredestein launches Wintrac winter tyre

New tyre supercedes Snowtrac branding of previous generations, but builds on the heritage of previous range

Vredestein Wintrac winter tyre

Vredestein has launched an upgraded winter car tyre, rebranding its Snowtrac range for the cold weather segment. The new tyre, the Vredestein Wintrac, was scheduled to be launched at The Tire Cologne. Due to that event’s cancellation, the new tyre is also entering the market as the brand’s first ever virtual launch. Vredestein says the tyre is “more suitable for current European winters.” Accordingly its engineers have improved the winter range’s performance in all types of wet conditions. It also continues to drive well on snow, it adds.

The fact that Vredestein has rebranded its winter tyre range is symbolic of a wider change in emphasis for the tyre’s performance. The new model represents a move from the intention behind the Snowtrac as a snow tyre to an all-round winter tyre. Corresponding better to European winter conditions in particular, the tyre will join the Wintrac Pro (its ultra high performance counterpart) in the new Vredestein Wintrac range.

Wintrac tyre features

The Wintrac benefits from a new structure and new materials, the manufacturer adds. The improved tread design includes a dedicated V-groove structure. The through-hole ensures optimal water drainage in both longitudinal and lateral directions, it states. Shoulder blocks contain patented ‘adaptive’ 3D sipes, extending the total sipe length and ensuring excellent winter performance throughout the lifetime of the tyre. An interlocking mechanism in the shoulder blocks provides additional stability and considerably enhances dry and wet handling performances.

The new model improves on the performance of its predecessor in a range of ways. Vredestein says the Wintrac has improved anti-aquaplaning water dispersion by 10 per cent versus the Snowtrac. The tyre also has five per cent longer sipes and five per cent more rubber in contact with the road. This enhances grip on wet and snow surfaces. It has used a blend of polymers and resin particles in its next-generation high-density silica compound to increase wear too. The compound, combined with an oval-shaped footprint and even pressure distribution helps to spread wear more evenly, which also boosts performance. In total the tyre provides “up to 10,000km more mileage” over the latest Snowtrac 5. The Wintrac also has lower rolling resistance for fuel consumption savings.

Virtual launch and availability

The Wintrac’s virtual launch, Vredestein adds, is “proof of the brand’s resilience in the fact of the COVID pandemic.” The first phase of the production has started in both of Apollo Vredestein’s European plants. The new tyre will initially be available in 27 sizes in 15 and 16 inches, one of which has already been homologated by an original equipment manufacturer (for the VW Golf 8, specifically). A second phase with additional sizes will follow during 2021.

Vredestein Wintrac winter tyre