Reviews of winter tires Yokohama Ice Guard IG55: features of choice, characteristics
Content
When developing the IG55, Japanese engineers used 3D design technology. The best arrangement of holes was calculated so that the spike with a star-shaped flange was securely fixed. Such a design solution reduces tread noise, reduces stud displacement and increases the “edge effect” (better traction on ice).
There are conflicting reviews about Yokohama Ice Guard IG55 tires: someone scolds, someone praises. But drivers appreciate this rubber for its low cost, lack of noise and grip quality on a snowy track.
Features Overview
This novelty of the Japanese tire manufacturer appeared on the European market in 2014. The IG55 model took into account and corrected the shortcomings of its predecessor (IG35): studs falling out and mediocre performance.
Yokohama Ice Guard 55 winter tires are designed for driving on icy roads - this is confirmed by owner reviews and expert opinions. Available in a wide range of sizes and diameters 13-20 inches.
Tires Yokohama Ice Guard IG55
When creating this tire, 2 components are added to the rubber mixture:
- silicic acid;
- orange oil.
Main features:
- A rigid multidirectional rib ensures reliable grip of the wheel on ice, snow and wet road surfaces.
- Massive shoulder blocks enhance snow flotation.
- Multi-faceted 3D sipes and wide chamfered grooves quickly remove moisture and provide directional stability on icy tracks.
- The high density of the mixture improves the behavior of the tire on dry pavement.
Acoustic comfort and safety during high-speed driving on the road is achieved thanks to the optimal arrangement of the tread holes.
Production features
When developing the IG55, Japanese engineers used 3D design technology. The best arrangement of holes was calculated so that the spike with a star-shaped flange was securely fixed. Such a design solution reduces tread noise, reduces stud displacement and increases the “edge effect” (better traction on ice).
In addition, with the help of computer simulation, a unique tread design was developed - a V-shaped pattern. In the center is a wide longitudinal cord, consisting of many arrow-shaped elements. Blocks of coupling edges are fastened to each other by rigid bridges. Thanks to this structure, the tire has high directional stability, low rolling resistance and excellent maneuverability.
Pros and cons of tires
The main advantages are related to the characteristics of the model:
- excellent cross-country ability on the snowy surface due to special blocks in the shoulder area;
- good acceleration on run-in slides (better than friction rubber);
- stable grip of the contact patch with an icy road due to the ideal arrangement of the spikes with the flange;
- economical fuel consumption due to low rolling coefficient;
- excellent control and minimal skidding when cornering at speed due to the presence of voluminous sipes and a wide central rib;
- minimal wear compared to Velcro (enough for 3-4 seasons).
Yokohama Ice Guard IG55
- weak side cord;
- long braking distance on ice;
- slippage on snow porridge;
- rumble on the pavement after a couple of seasons.
Some reviews of the Yokohama Ice Guard IG55 winter tires speak of acoustic comfort when using this rubber, while in others, drivers claim that the tire is noisy in terms of noise, like all “studs”.
Feedback from car owners about tires
If you look at what motorists write about this “spike”, it is easy to get confused in conflicting opinions. Although owner reviews of Yokohama Ice Guard IG55 tires with positive comments come across more often:
Review of Yokohama Ice Guard IG55
Owner opinions about Yokohama Ice Guard IG55
Drivers note that the rubber holds an ice-covered road well, passes snow porridge, and is quite quiet. The loss of spikes is minimal, hernias do not appear during operation.
