Drivers are accustomed to divide winter tires into two main classes - studded and Velcro. Everyone prefers a certain option due to the characteristics of the driving style, the presence of additional wishes, or for some other reason. However, all tires have much more characteristics, the list of which includes the structure of the tread, the location of its blocks and lamellas, the composition of the rubber compound and much more. Today we will take a closer look at the well-known Hankook W409 Winter I-Pike and pay attention to all its key indicators. At the end of the article, an analysis of user reviews will be carried out, which will help to compare the manufacturer's promises with a real picture, which can only be seen when used in natural conditions created by nature.
The main purpose
This model was designed by a team of developers as a universal option, suitable for cars of compact and medium sizes. It is not designed for heavy loads, so it is highly recommended not to install it on crossovers with a powerful engine, as well as on any model of SUVs and minibuses. The reason for this is the high softness of the rubber compound, not adapted to withstand the large mass of the car.
As you can see from the name of the winter tires Hankook Winter I-Pike W409 , the main time of the year in which the operation is planned is winter. As the manufacturer assures, no matter the harsh climate in your area or not, rubber must cope with any conditions. Is this really so, we can see a little later.
Environmental component
If you are trying to choose a model that would pollute the environment as little as possible, then you are at the right place. This is evidenced by the fact that the developer was awarded the prestigious Nordic Swan Award, which was awarded for significant achievements in creating environmentally friendly tire products.
This rubber has received such characteristics thanks to several aspects. Firstly, the composition of the rubber mixture includes a large number of natural substances, including natural rubber. This approach allows us to economically relate to the resources around us and keeps the environmental situation normal. The second important aspect is the use in production of advanced technologies that reduce the amount of harmful emissions into the atmosphere to a minimum. Well, the third factor that will surely interest drivers: the designers tried to create a tread pattern Hankook W409 Winter I-Pike in such a way as to minimize the effect of rolling resistance, as a result of which the rubber helps significantly save fuel consumption.
Tread pattern
When developing the design, the standard scheme with a V- shaped pattern, used everywhere for the production of winter tires, as well as summer options aimed at road resistance, was taken as the basis . This approach suggests that the tire should have excellent rowing characteristics due to the presence of a large number of transverse cutting edges and wide lamellas between the tread elements. All this together helps to fight loose snow, effectively distributing it in the spot of contact with the road surface and not allowing the wheel to slip not only at the start, but also when driving continues.
The central rib, which has a continuous structure, is aimed at maintaining directional stability during rectilinear movement and guaranteeing safety at the moment of collision with a small obstacle. During maneuvering, this task is shifted to a greater extent on the shoulder zones having large, separate standing tread elements.
Despite these features, Hankook Winter I-Pike W409 tires remain quiet, resulting in reduced not only discomfort from being in the car, but, as mentioned above, fuel consumption.
The presence of spikes
From the factory, most sizes are available in an already studded version. However, some initially come only with holes for the spikes, and whether or not to install them is up to you. It is worth noting that the rubber itself has good dynamic characteristics, but in a studless version, the braking distance can significantly increase. This feature should be considered during operation, so that there are no additional problems.
Spikes are available as standard and have a round base and the same round steel protrusion, which has a sharp edge and is able to dig into the ice and securely fix the car on the road. They are recessed quite deeply, as a result of which, when driving on asphalt, side noises are also minimized. However, this feature is not always a positive thing, since under certain conditions, for example, on snow that has fallen on icy snow, the spikes on the Hankook Winter I-Pike W409 tires become almost useless due to their short length.
The purpose of the slats
A deep grid of three-dimensional lamellas is immediately evident. In combination with an aggressive overall design, it gives the rubber a pleasant appearance and makes it a decoration for any car. However, the aesthetic component is by no means the main goal of the manufacturer.
It is worth noting that to develop the drawing, modern computer systems were used to simulate various traffic situations. Thanks to them, it was possible to distribute the task of water diversion from the point of contact of the working surface with the route as efficiently as possible . Wide slots can cope with their work without problems, removing all moisture to the shoulder areas and leaving it outside the Hankook Winter I-Pike W409 tire , reviews of which we will consider a little later .
The width was not chosen by chance. It is with this approach that the lamellas can cope not only with water, but also with snow porridge, and even with simply loose dry snow. In the latter case, for some time they are a kind of “storehouse” for him, and as quickly as possible, during one revolution of the wheel, they are completely cleaned, which allows you to repeat the process again and again, increasing the level of adhesion to the track on any surface and in all possible weather conditions. conditions.
The special composition of the rubber compound
As already mentioned, rubber was created in compliance with all environmental requirements. In addition to the use of natural components, the manufacturer carried out a number of additional measures aimed at reducing environmental pollution. So, the basis of the synthetic components was refined petroleum products, in which there was a minimal amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons capable of creating dangerous carcinogenic compounds during processing.
The use of silicic acid allowed to fix the result. At the outlet, the manufacturer was able to get the rubber mixture, which would have all the necessary parameters. It is soft and behaves well at low temperatures. However, at the same time, its wear is within acceptable limits, and the abrasive effect on it is minimal. This indicates the rather long life of the Hankook W409 Winter I-Pike , which is an undeniable advantage.
A wide range of
The manufacturer made sure that every driver who wants to purchase his products could choose an option that suits the required size and weight requirements. So, the list of Hankook W409 Winter RS I-Pike models includes all internal diameters - from 12 to 18 inches. Also, as an exception, one frame size is installed on disks with a diameter of 20 inches. It is designed for sedans and coupes with high arches and supporting the use of large wheels and tires.
For each of the presented diameters, a choice of different models is available with different profile heights and working surface widths, as well as a speed mode index and a weight load.
Reinforced cord and sidewalls
In order to give the rubber greater durability, the manufacturer tried to strengthen the cord filling and make the side parts more durable. And if there were no problems with the first moment, the second task turned out to be quite difficult. The fact is that the excessive softness of the rubber compound caused a violation of strength, and it was quite easy to damage the side part. Developers from South Korea tried to smooth this effect out as much as possible, and partially managed to increase the strength. However, all the same, the Hankook Winter I-Pike W409 tires remained soft, and this suggests that it is advisable to operate it carefully so that it can last for a long time without unnecessary damage and hernias.
Positive feedback about the model
It's time to get acquainted with the opinion of drivers who had the opportunity to try out the novelty in the conditions of a real harsh winter, thaw, snowfall and other natural phenomena inherent in our climate. So, among the main advantages, they especially noted the following in their reviews of Hankook Winter I-Pike RS W409 :
High quality workmanship . During installation, balancing is practically not required, the rubber is uniform and even straight from the factory.
Softness. There are no complaints; in the rubber, natural elements and thoughtfulness of the formula are felt. One important condition - it is not recommended to continue to ride on it if the temperature rises to +10 degrees, otherwise the wear can be enormous.
Low noise. Due to the recessed spikes and general softness, even large tread blocks practically do not make unnecessary sounds.
High wear resistance. The presence of silicic acid and other fastening elements in the composition reduced abrasive wear and allowed the rubber to serve more than one season with careful use.
Nice value. Compared with competitors, rubber has a more attractive price, having the same, and sometimes better characteristics.
Good preparedness for the urban regime. Owing to their versatility, owners say that the Hankook Winter I-Pike W409 copes equally well with traffic both on wide, snow-cleared streets and on small dirt lanes with slippery rolled snow.
As you can see, the rubber was prepared for the native conditions of a harsh winter, although it is produced in the more temperate climate of South Korea. However, it also has a number of disadvantages, which also cannot be closed.
The main negative points
Many drivers notice that because of their excessive softness at plus temperatures they become like plasticine and spring. This can not be called a positive point, since the behavior of the car during sharp braking in such conditions becomes unpredictable.
In a rut, the movement is sometimes uncertain, especially when the rubber slightly touches its edge. This should also be considered, especially if roads in your area are rarely cleaned.
Deeply recessed spikes, according to reviews on the Hankook Winter I-Pike W409, do not always do their job, although they hold tight. Therefore, you should not always rely on them. It is advisable to exercise caution when driving and remember that ice is far from ideal coverage for the track.
Output
The Hankook W409 Winter I-Pike rubber model is suitable for those who want to get safety, reliability and comfort, but not overpay for competitors. If you have sufficient driving experience, then you will quickly get used to its softness and subsequently feel it as one of the advantages.