Nokian Hakkapeliitta – Buyer’s Guide

Every single winter tire recommendation is always topped with the granddaddy of all winter tires: Nokian’s Hakkapeliitta line of winter tires. It may be a funny (to American ears, anyway) sounding name but when it comes to reliability in harsh winter conditions, Nokian isn’t joking.

Nokian Tyres is the world’s northernmost tire manufacturer. Though the brand has only been around since 1988, it originated in the former “Finnish Rubber Works” (known in Finland as Suomen Gummitehdas Osakeyhtiӧ) which was founded in 1898. It was this company that developed the world’s first winter tire, the Snow Hakkapeliitta, in 1934!

As you can guess, Nokian’s winter tires are held up to stringent standards and high expectations.

Today’s Hakkapeliitta tires are the descendants of that first winter tire design. The name “Hakkapeliitta” comes from the Finnish calvarymen in service of the kingdom of Sweden in the 15th century. Don’t worry, you won’t need horsemanship experience to enjoy the security and confidence of Nokian’s excellent winter tires.

If you’re shopping for winter tires and have gotten stuck (in a snowbank, perhaps?), let us tell you about this prestigious line of winter tires to help you decide.

Would you rather shop on your own? No problem.

TO STUD OR NOT TO STUD?

If your region experiences harsh winter conditions, the first decision you must make when choosing a set of winter tires is whether studded or studless tires are best.

In general, studded winter tires will give better grip on ice and deep snow, while studless winter tires do better on wet and slushy roads. Studded tires tend to be a little noisy and can damage roads, so many places do not allow them. However, they make difficult roads and mountain passes much easier in the thick of winter.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta brand offers both studded and studless models. Many can be both. Un-studded winter tires are more common and can usually provide a safe, comfortable ride in most snowy regions of the United States. However, in certain areas with significant and consistently heavy winter conditions, studs might be the best option for you, as long as local laws allow for studded tires.

All Hakkapeliitta lines are three-peak mountain snowflake certified; as Nokian touts, “officially approved for winter use.” Nokian also includes a SUV variant of each model to handle larger vehicles and heavier loads.

Depending on where you’re driving, you may want to consider snow chains. You may also be required to in specific instances, like snowy mountain passes. Check out our step-by-step guide on how to put on tire chains!

NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA R5 & R5 SUV

We’ll start off with the Hakkapeliitta R5, a non-studded winter tire for passenger cars that offers uncompromising grip. Plus, the smart driving features and winter driving necessities round out this tire for a solid, safe winter tire choice.

It comes with the perfect combination of eco-friendliness, a quiet ride and innovative winter traction. Fuel savings come from the new Green Trace tread compound, which simultaneously keeps these tires nice and sticky and offers better mileage with lower rolling resistance. The Silent Touch tread design also makes things nice and quiet in-cabin.

The tread composition includes a high percentage of natural rubber so the tire stays flexible under all conditions. So no matter how far the mercury drops, your tires will still function.

Nokian’s new Double Block Grip tread design works in tandem with unique Arctic Grip Crystals (acting like tiny built-in studs) in the tread compound for superior grip and handling.

Some sizes include a run-flat feature, too!

The R5 comes in a SUV version as well that is designed for crossovers and SUVs. And due to its rugged construction and efficiency, it’s also a great winter tire recommendation for electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles.

All these tires can be studded, if you prefer.

NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA 10

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 Studded is a pre-studded tire with next-generation winter safety and innovative tech.

It features state-of-the-art studding tech strategically placed for maximum traction using star-shaped studs at optimal angles. This allows for unprecedented cornering, braking and lane change handling. These studs are also designed to keep quiet, cutting out noise to boost driving comfort as noise is a common complaint with studded tires.

Even better, these studs are eco-friendly (called Eco Stud 10) that help reduce road wear!

The heavily siped tread pattern allows for great confidence in ice, slush and snow. Fuel efficient, with low rolling resistance and an enhanced tread compound that stays flexible no matter how low temps drop, the Hakkapelitta 10 studded is pretty impressive.

Both the 10 and the Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV come with run-flat options in some sizes.

Got an electric vehicle? Check out the Hakkapeliitta 10 EV to get the same great performance for your electric ride.

NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA LT3

Winter wonderland or not, work does not stop–and neither does the Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3. This rugged, unstudded light truck winter tire is built to handle the rigors of a working vehicle and tackle winter conditions too. Designed for heavy-duty service, it comes with an aggressive directional tread pattern and winter-centric Arctic Grip compound to stay functional and flexible in the cold.

This tire uses a 10-ply specialized tread that resists abrasion, tears and uneven treadwear. Aramid-reinforced sidewalls resist punctures and cuts to offer dependability on unpredictable winter roads.

Interlocking 3D sipes, sweeping grooves, tread block notches and zig-zag tread blocks pack snow into the tread for snow-on-snow traction for better control in blizzard conditions. It is also pre-pinned for studs so you can stud this tire if you need to.

If you want a studded version off the rack, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3 Studded is for you. Due to its strength and robust construction, both the studded and unstudded version of this tire are appropriate for an electric vehicle or truck.

OTHER NOKIAN FEATURES

As if these top-notch winter features weren’t enough, Nokian goes out of their way to be environmentally friendly. They use only purified, low-aromatic oils in their tires’ production—the first manufacturer to do so.

Nokian offers a satisfaction guarantee for any set of four (4) Hakkapeliitta tires. If they don’t live up to their storied history and technologically advanced pedigree, you have 30 days from the date of purchase to return them for a refund (some conditions apply; see details on Nokian’s website).

WHEN IN SNOW, DO AS THE FINNS DO

Necessity gave birth to the invention of the winter tire, not surprisingly in the frigid, harsh wintry north. Nokian has kept pace with exceeding standards and performance in the automotive industry, producing tires that can handle the most drastic conditions.

Let us help you with your winter tire changeover this winter. We’ll get you taken care of.

We also strongly recommend keeping a set of winter tires and winter wheels to keep your regular wheels and tires shiny, bright and lasting longer than ever. Check out our picks of the best winter wheel and tire packages for easy, breezy winter performance.

Ready to roll?

If you’re still unsure which tires are best for you, feel free to drop by your nearest store, give us a call or schedule an appointment. We’re ready to help you. Save time when you buy and book online!

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