Nokian Reveals Temperature-Responsive Studded Winter Tire

Nokian Tyres has been shaping winter driving for a long time. The company created the first winter tire back in 1934, and it has been improving cold-weather grip ever since. Now it is introducing something that feels like a real leap forward. The new Hakkapeliitta 01 is described as the world’s first studded winter tire that can automatically react to temperature changes.

The concept is surprisingly straightforward. The metal studs can effectively turn themselves on and off depending on the conditions. When temperatures drop and the road turns icy, a special base layer inside the tire pushes the studs outward so they can bite into the surface and improve traction.

When conditions warm up, that same layer softens and allows the studs to sink back into the tire. In other words, the tire adjusts its grip depending on the weather.

Nokian has actually been working on this concept for more than ten years. A retractable-stud prototype first appeared in 2014, and since then, engineers have tested thousands of versions in labs and extreme environments, including the Arctic Circle. The goal was to make the system reliable enough for real-world use.

The company says the new design also improves everyday driving. Compared with the older Hakkapeliitta 10, road wear is reduced by about 30 percent, and the tire is slightly quieter. Nokian also claims about 10 percent better grip on ice and around 5 percent better grip in wet conditions.

The Hakkapeliitta 01 will be available for passenger cars, crossovers, and SUVs in 122 different sizes, ranging from 14 to 22 inches. Production will take place at Nokian’s factory in Nokia, Finland, with sales expected to begin this fall. Pricing has not been announced yet, but with this kind of technology, it likely will not be cheap.