Even though modern cars always seem to ensure superior grip, driving on wet road surfaces isn't easy – an emergency situation is all it takes to understand this. Especially in the first few hours after it has rained, when the film of water mixes with dirt which previously accumulated on the road surface: braking takes longer and the road holding diminishes. Long, deep puddles – often hidden – are a major hazard. You should always reduce your speed to prevent the front wheels from beginning to float (causing what is commonly referred to as aquaplaning), removing your ability to steer or (if the puddle is only on one side of the road) divert the car. This is especially true when driving an SUV because, although it may be the same size as a saloon, an SUV weighs more and has a higher centre of gravity: the combination of these factors makes it necessary, on the one hand, to anticipate braking (especially downhill) and, on the other, to approach corners more carefully, especially those with a narrower radius or those that can be driven at high speed. This applies even more on wet roads.
33 SIZES (FOR NOW)
Hence the importance for SUVs of a tyre tailored to tackle difficult situations, such as the new Pirelli Scorpion All Season SF2: designed for those who want to comply with winter regulations and not worry about having to change tyre set with the seasons, it is available in this initial stage in 33 sizes ranging from 17 to 21 inches. On the shoulder are the M+S symbols accompanied by the 3PMSF marking (Three-Peak-Mountain Snowflake: the symbol of a snowflake set in a stylised mountain with three peaks), which indicate the best performance even in winter conditions and certified by the tests required by European legislation. The compound and tread pattern are inspired by the work done on the Cinturato, with some specific features linked to the characteristics of SUVs. The directional tread pattern of the Scorpion All Season SF2 is in fact marked by the significant presence of V-shaped notches that retain snow (thus facilitating control of the vehicle in snowy conditions), and they help in rainy situations to drain water from the tread while maintaining contact with the ground and helping to prevent sudden and dangerous aquaplaning.
3D TECHNOLOGY FOR THE SIPES
The true strength lies in the tread sipes that remain open when driving in cold winter conditions to improve braking in snow, while in dry or wet conditions they close, increasing the stiffness of the tread blocks to create more grip on the road surface. This adaptive behaviour is thanks to the 3D technology, which, thanks to the ability of the sipes to close and become compact out from the snow, turns a winter tread into a summer tread. The design of progressive cross-sectional side grooves, combined with the continuous central notch, also promotes efficient water ejection when it rains, improving safety and aquaplaning performance. Impressive results on wet surfaces: 100% of the Scorpion All Season SF2 range replacement was awarded class A in wet grip on the European label. To support the driving dynamics and the weight of SUVs, reinforced tread blocks have also been introduced, which are larger in size than those applied to the Cinturato All Season SF2, retaining a progressive inlet tread geometry, generating a lower rolling noise emission.
THE SECRETS OF THE COMPOUND
As for the tread compound, the new Scorpion All Season SF2 has a double core, soft and adaptable for cold and wet conditions, rigid and stable for dry conditions. This mechanism is enabled by the innovative components of the compound itself, including biphasic polymeric materials bound to silica particles. A solution that guarantees mobility at low temperatures and lower rolling resistance, resulting in lower fuel consumption or longer battery life. Indeed, the different tyre sizes (with the exception of those with run flat technology) all fall within classes A or B of the European rolling resistance label, a clear improvement on the previous product. Last but not least, the compound of this tyre has a higher operating temperature spectrum compared to the previous Scorpion Verde All Season, thanks to a stiffer structure that also promotes less tread consumption. Hence the optimum performance of the tyre throughout its life and increased mileage, leading to environmental benefits.
USEFUL RECOMMENDATIONS
Whatever the circumstances, being able to rely on state-of-the-art allies such as the Scorpion All Season SF2 doesn't mean you can travel on wet surfaces without a care in the world. When in doubt, you need to anticipate braking (especially if the SUV is equipped with an automatic transmission, which has to have the time to “understand” that you are slowing down to shift down) – just do it a second earlier to ensure that you have time and space to slow down in the margin of safety. Furthermore, braking must be adequate and continuous: it is better to press the pedal more firmly than a series of small “taps” on the brake, thus also helping the possible triggering of the ABS, which, being electronically controlled, favours clear “signals” from the driver's foot. Another aspect to take care of is the turning radius: never “close” corners too much, to prevent the inertia of the SUV from transferring too much load to the front (and, moreover, only from the inside), causing the rear to be lighter, which could also trigger swerving. ESP intervention is not always sufficiently rapid, or, if it is, can be very invasive, causing rather abrupt “straightening”. So don't be afraid, but always be careful and cautious.
