Nokian NRVi and Nokian NRY
Stapletons Increase the Pressure with Uniflate
New Personalised Promotional Leaflets from Exide

Nokian NRVi and Nokian NRY

Nokian Tyres has developed two new summer tyres for the highest performance categories. The Nokian NRVi and Nokian NRY tyres are designed for top speeds and demanding driving, whilst at the same time reflecting the Nordic manufacturer's key motto: durable safety.

Nokian NRVi

In the development of Nokian NRVi, the key focus areas were its aquaplaning properties, wet grip and wear resistance. As a result of testing dozens of different tread patterns, an entirely new tread design, symmetric at the shoulders and asymmetric at the centre, was developed.

The tyre's rolling direction is set by the arrow-like centre pattern. According to Nokian, numerous tests on different tracks have indicated that a directional pattern (with fixed rolling direction) is the most effective in removing water from between the tyre and the road, even at high speeds.

Nokian NRVi is directionally steady and durable. These properties have been achieved by setting the outmost steel belt in a reverse angle towards the asymmetric featherlike pattern of the centre. The tyre has a precise and soft impact with the road, which improves its braking capacity and ensures an even wear pattern. The symmetric shoulders of the tread pattern emphasise excellent cornering properties.

It was also desired to improve the wet grip of the Nokian NRVi. Usually, high-speed category tyres lose some of their grip in cool temperatures. However, the Nokian NRVi's new full silica mix functions well in any summer temperature, braking tests having been carried out at both cool (some +8°C), and warm (some +25°C) environments.

The tyres were tested on Nordic, rough asphalt and smooth Central-European asphalt as well as concrete surface. Tyre noise has also been minimised with several different solutions. In addition to the optimal tread pattern block distribution and structural choices, circumferential platforms have been designed on the bottom of the main grooves together with small cavities on the pattern blocks next to the main grooves. These elements break the high-frequency noise that forms when driving on smooth road surface in straight grooves (the so-called organ pipe effect). The tyre's pass-by and cabin noise is of low level and pleasant tone.

Intended for high-performance cars, V-speed category tyres are usually installed on light-metal rims that are impressive but can wear easily. However, the bead area of the Nokian NRVi has been renewed. A sealing circle was added to the rib that protects the rim. The design protects the area between the tyre and the rim from sand, mud and impurities. There is an info field in the tyre's bead area that facilitates tyre maintenance and increases the driver's comfort. The info field contains a list of recommended inflation pressure value. The tyre mechanic marks the correct inflation pressure of the tyre in the info field with a silver pencil. When checking the inflation pressure, the driver can confirm the right pressure level from the info field. Next to the pressure record there is a chart for marking the tyre's placing under the car. This mark will help remember the tyres' places after out-of-season storage.

As with most Nokian products, the Nokian NRVi also has a wear indicator (driving safety indicator, DSI) that informs in clear figures how many millimetres of tread the tyre has left. The Nokian NRVi is a speed category V tyre (240 km/h), manufactured in 19 sizes.

Nokian NRY

Nokian NRY is an ultra high performance tyre with a maximum speed of 300 km/h and was developed with a view to combining safety with utmost performance ability and excellent driving properties. The Nokian NRY has also been designed with aesthetics and individual design in mind, in order to reflect high quality and technical superiority.

The surface tread pattern is directional. Strong lateral grooves and broad longitudinal grooves on both sides of the centre rib effectively prevent aquaplaning. The longitudinal rib of the tyre's centre pattern improves steering responses and steering speed. Meanwhile, silver-grey stripes located on the tyre's main grooves symmetrically on both sides of the centre rib, give the Nokian NRY a very sophisticated and distinctive look.

Nokian NRY has a sturdy rim area rib that protects the rim from dents and scratches. Furthermore, there is a 'mud stopper' sealing that prevents sand and mud from getting between the rim and the tyre. The structure of the Nokian NRY is designed for high speeds and heavy wheel loads.

Initially, the tyre will be manufactured in six 17-, 18- and 19-inch sizes. All sizes are rated in the load category XL; four load indexes higher than standard passenger car tyres.

Stapletons Increase the Pressure with Uniflate

STS Stapletons Tyres & Exhausts, has recently launched a new tyre inflation system to its range of services. Uniflate is an advanced long life inflation system from Pneu-air, which uses the power of Nitrogen to keep tyres properly inflated for longer periods of time. Greater vehicle control, reduced tyre wear and improved fuel economy are among some of the other benefits that motorists can enjoy from this unique new system.

According to Stapleton's Uniflate aims to put an end to poor tyre inflation levels, something that is often overlooked by drivers and can be a contributing factor to road traffic accidents. Recent findings from Road Traffic Accident Statistics say that more than 80% of tyres involved are not properly inflated.

Uniflate is available from six retail centres: STS Holburn Tyre & Exhaust centre, Canary Way, Norwich, STS Tyre & Exhaust centre, Banbury, STS Man On Wheels, Rainham, Kent, STS Tyreweb, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, STS Man On Wheels, Canterbury, Kent and STS Tyre & Exhaust centre, Bedford, Hitchin.

New Personalised Promotional Leaflets from Exide

Exide Technologies has launched a new collection of leaflets, which are designed to help stockists promote the full range of Exide batteries. The series of useful leaflets, which comprise 9 different types, cover cars and light vans, commercial vehicles, light and heavy marine, leisure and special purpose. Each colour A4 leaflet displays the features and benefits of each battery range and can be personalised with each customer's contact details and logo. This makes them ideal for local promotional and awareness activities. The new leaflets form part of Exide's extensive customer communication programme for 2003, which will be further supported by the launch of a newsletter and regular product bulletins later this year.