Hankook Winter i*Pike . FEATURES AND BENEFITS: Winter weather traction; Enhanced controllability; Longer lasting tread life; . OVERVIEW: The Hankook Winter i*Pike is a touring, winter tire manufactured for passenger vehicles.The tire offers excellent winter weather traction. The computer-optimized V-shaped directional tread pattern and the winter weather compound work together to increase the tire's ice and snow traction. The directional tread with the high siping density improves the grip on the road surface in winter conditions, as the siping detail provides additional biting edges that firmly grip the road surface. The tire is pinned for studs which can be added to further improve the tire's grip when driving on ice- and snow-covered road surfaces. The compound is weather resistance and it keeps its ideal rubber flexibility in cold temperatures to ensure a safer performance. The angled lateral grooves prevent hydroplaning. They disperse water and slush from below the tire's footprint and boost the cold temperature wet weather traction.The model is also easily controlled even in severe winter situations. The computer-designed directional tread pattern and the tire's reinforced internal structure enhance the controllability at all times. The directional tread design stabilizes the structure against the driving pressure affecting the model and it maintains a constant road contact. The better road contact and the maintained optimal tire shape upgrade the steering response time and accuracy to the driver's commands. The stable tread blocks and the high siping density help shorten the braking distance. They create friction at the moment of braking between the tire and the road surface, which upgrades the braking power. The better control and braking ability guarantee a secure driving experience.The Winter i*Pike promotes a longer tread life and superb durability. The model's internal structure features high-tensile steel belts and a high-strength bead construction. They manage to keep the ideal tire shape throughout the tire's performance, without allowing it to deform under the driving pressure. The optimal tire shape enables the tire's excellent performing capability and controllability. This also stabilizes the tread elements and actively prevents tread flexing. The prevention of tread flexing upgrades the tread life, as it allows the tire to evenly spread the driving pressure out across the tread area. This guarantees even tread wear rate, extending the tread life and the tire's usability significantly. Manufacturers recommend changing tires every 10 years. As long as tires are properly stored before they are sold, the year of their manufacture will not shorten their service life.