Barum Quartaris to be launched in the Fall
All-season tyres are particularly popular among drivers who wish to run their cars cost-efficiently and who, therefore, wish to avoid having to switch from summer to winter tyres. Seeking to satisfy these demands, the Barum Quartaris has been developed as a compromise between the requirements placed on summer and winter tyres. A new feature of the Quartaris is the BASSS sipe system (Barum All Season Sipe System). This detail is described by the developer of the Quartaris, Akif Celik: "Thanks to the pronounced trapezoidal siping in the center of the tyre and to the circular snow pockets in the shoulder blocks, the Quartaris grip also works in wintry conditions. The snow pockets have been designed to "collect" soft snow, creating greater adhesion." This design leaves the shoulder blocks of the Quartaris rigid enough for safe driving on dry road surfaces.
The Quartaris comes with the new winter tread-depth indicator to give drivers a clear idea of how suitable the tyre tread is for winter use. The tread grooves, characterized by a snowflake, are raised between the tread blocks. "If this raised area is flush with the surrounding tread, this means that the tyre only has four millimeters of tread depth remaining and is no longer suitable for driving on roads in wintry conditions," explains Celik. "The sipes and snow pockets are no longer deep enough to build up the grip needed to start and brake safely."
The Quartaris not only provides for driving safety in winter, it also comes into its own on wet roads. This is made possible by the unidirectional tread with wide circumferential and lateral grooves which can take up and disperse water quickly. Flat sipes in the center and on the shoulder of the tyre act like windshield wipers which can displace water during braking. In addition, the silica mix creates for good adhesion and short braking distances on wet surfaces.
To facilitate safe driving in summer, Barum has designed the Quartaris with two straight bands running around the middle of the tread, as well as with large, stable shoulder blocks. The bands aid steering precision and short braking distances, while the shoulder blocks allow for precise handling on bends.
The Quartaris is characterized as an all-season tyre with the M+S marking, as well as with the snowflake symbol. Like any all-season tyre, it is a compromise, albeit to the highest possible standard. Therefore, Barum recommends this tyre in particular to drivers who mainly use their cars for trips around town. The new Quartaris will be available in the Fall in 18 tyre sizes of between 14 and 15 inches and in widths of between 155 and 205 mm, and is approved for speeds up to 210 km/h.
Barum Quartaris
