It’s the 1930s in Finland, and the roads are treacherous, covered in snow and ice—ice you can’t see, or Black Ice, as it is referred to. Drivers struggle to keep their vehicles on the road, and driving has become a high-risk everyday activity. This was until a company changed the game of driving forever.
In 1934, Nokian Tyres unveiled the world’s first winter tire, the “Kelirengas” or “Weather Tire.” This wasn’t just any tire; it was a revolution on wheels. Before this game-changing invention, drivers had to rely on smooth tires with snow chains for grip. Not exactly the safest game in town however and an even tougher game putting them on your tires.
The Kelirengas featured a rough tread pattern that provided unprecedented grip and traction on snow-covered roads. It was like giving cars their own pair of winter boots! But Nokian didn’t stop there. Two years later, in 1936, they introduced the Lumi-Hakkapeliitta, a winter tire specifically designed for passenger cars. This tire included innovative features like small suction cups to prevent slipping on icy surfaces. Suction Cups?! Yikes.
The impact of this invention was immediate and far-reaching. Suddenly, winter driving became much safer and more manageable. The tire’s ability to clean itself of snow while driving ensured consistent performance during a journey. But why stop at just one innovation? In the early 1960s, metal studs were introduced into the mix, creating yet another breakthrough for safe winter driving. These studs were like tiny ice spikes for your tires: each one sticking out from the treads and providing even more grip than ever before on icy surfaces. What a job they did on roads without snow, though! They tore them up and caused more bad than good.
Fast-forward to today and winter tires have come a long way. Modern winter tires are marvels of engineering, incorporating about 100 different raw materials, roughly three times more than the winter tires of the 1930s. They include both renewable and recycled components, making them not just safe but also more environmentally friendly.
The evolution of winter tires reflects a dual commitment to safety and sustainability. As Teemu Soini, VP of Innovations & Development at Nokian Tyres, puts it, “The winter tire taught us that we can ensure safety by keeping ahead of the challenges. As the world keeps on changing, so do the challenges.”
But it’s not just about the materials. The design and testing of these tires have also evolved. Continuous testing in real winter conditions, for example at Nokian Tyres’ test center in Finnish Lapland, ensures that these tires can handle whatever Mother Nature and her son, Jack Frost, throws their way. It’s like a winter Olympics for tires, where only the best makes it to the podium!
Interestingly, different driving conditions call for different types of winter tires. As Marko Saari, VP of Product Management at Nokian Tyres, explains, “In Central Europe, winter has more rain, whereas in Scandinavia, roads are covered in snow or ice. That’s why Nokian Tyres tailors its winter tires according to the conditions of the area they are meant to be driven in.” It all came down to function over beauty!
The invention of the winter tire didn’t just make driving safer; it opened new possibilities for transportation and commerce in cold climates. Suddenly, the harsh winter ice and snow weren’t such intimidating foes. These tires were game-changers.
Speaking of modern innovations, the latest challenge for winter tire technology comes from electric vehicles (EVs). These cars are heavier due to their batteries and have instant torque, requiring tires that can handle these unique characteristics while still providing optimal winter performance.
As we look to the future, the spirit of innovation that produced the winter tire continues to drive progress in road safety.
Conclusion
The invention of the winter tire is a testament to human ingenuity in the face of challenging conditions. It reminds us that with the right innovations, we can make even the most daunting tasks safer and more manageable. As we continue to face new challenges on the road and in the workplace, it’s inspiring to look back at innovations like the winter tire and see how far we’ve come in our journey towards safety.
At CrewSafe, we’re driven by the same spirit of innovation that led to the creation of the winter tire. Our commitment to achieving the highest level of safety in the workplace is unwavering. From our award-winning safety training programs to our cutting-edge pioneering personal protective equipment, we’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Just as the winter tire revolutionized driving in harsh conditions, CrewSafe is transforming how businesses approach safety. Visit crewsafe.com to discover how our innovative solutions can help your crew stay safe, no matter the conditions.
Sources
- Nokian Tyres (2024) Nokian Tyres celebrates the 90th anniversary of its innovation, the winter tire. Cision News. Available at: https://news.cision.com/nokian-tyres/r/nokian-tyres-celebrates-the-90th-anniversary-of-its-innovation–the-winter-tire,c4048739
- Nokian Tyres (2024) 90 years of reinventing safety by Nokian Tyres. YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4zKKLpbH_s
- Dennemeyer (No date) Everyday IP: A wonderland of winter inventions. Dennemeyer IP Blog. Available at: https://www.dennemeyer.com/ip-blog/news/everyday-ip-a-wonderland-of-winter-inventions/
- Nokian Tyres (No date) How was the world’s first winter tire invented? Nokian Tires North America. Available at: https://na.nokiantyres.com/company/nokian-tyres-in-brief/history/over-80-years-since-the-invention-of-the-winter-tire/first-winter-tire/
- Nokian Tyres. Image Advertisements -circa 1934-1936. https://company.nokiantyres.com/about-us/history/advertisement-gallery/ (Accessed: November 21, 2024)