The winter non-studded passenger tire Yokohama Ice Guard IG50 is one of the latest developments from one of the leaders of the Japanese tire industry. This model is available in more than 40 different sizes with fits ranging from 14 inches to 17 inches.
Tread design
The tire features a new-fangled directional asymmetric tread design. At the same time, depending on the tread width, the tire tread is equipped with a different pattern. If the tread width exceeds 235 mm, then its pattern is additionally equipped with one additional longitudinal rib located in the central part of the tread. In both cases, the asymmetrical tread pattern provided excellent grip on both snow and ice.
The inner tread pattern is designed to provide the best traction when driving on icy surfaces. Moreover, its dimensions are significantly larger than the area of the outer side of the tread. In addition, the outer side of the tread is equipped with less massive blocks, as well as an increased number of lamellas. Thanks to this solution, it was possible to provide the contact patch with a significant number of sharp cutting edges.
The inner tread pattern of the Yokohama IG50 is equipped with three longitudinal ribs, including the shoulder area. The two longitudinal ribs located in the central part of the tread represent two rows of rectangular blocks located longitudinally relative to the direction of movement. This structure of the inner side of the tread pattern made it possible to achieve high longitudinal rigidity, which led to improved traction characteristics on snow.
The shoulder areas on both sides of the tread are two rows of rectangular blocks, the transverse arrangement of which provides high braking efficiency, especially on snowy surfaces. In addition, the shoulder areas are distinguished by a very rigid design, which not only improved the handling characteristics, but also contributed to a more uniform distribution of pressure across the contact patch.
Confident and reliable grip on ice
This model, despite the absence of studs, has excellent performance characteristics on icy roads, thereby ensuring a high level of safety. The tire gained such capabilities thanks to a number of design solutions, the most noticeable of which were 3D sipes and an innovative rubber compound.
This tire is one of the first to use two types of three-dimensional sipes for the first time - triple volume sipes, which are located in the central part of the tread, and triple three-dimensional sipes, located in the shoulder areas. In both cases, the multifaceted surface of the walls makes it possible to create a strong connection between them at the moment of contact with the road surface, which significantly increases the rigidity of the tread blocks, simultaneously forming many additional traction edges. As a result, the tire demonstrates not only excellent handling on dry asphalt, but also stable, reliable grip on icy surfaces.
Another component that provided the tire Yokohama Ice Guard IG50 Excellent performance on ice thanks to the innovative rubber tread compound. As you know, one of the main reasons for poor tire grip on icy surfaces is the water film formed as a result of friction. The tread of this model is made of a rubber compound that has excellent absorbent properties, which allows the tread to cling to the surface of the ice by absorbing the water film. Such properties of the rubber mixture were achieved thanks to the presence in its structure of special absorbent microbubbles, the hollow shape of which effectively removes moisture from the contact patch. At the same time, the shell-shell of microbubbles is characterized by increased rigidity, which creates a micro-edge effect, which, in turn, increases the resistance of the tread blocks to deformation. In addition to microbubbles, the rubber mixture contains a special absorbent component - White Gel. This substance made the rubber mixture more elastic, which ensures more effective removal of the water film from the icy surface.
Main features of the Yokohama Ice Guard IG50 winter tire
— The asymmetrical design of the directional tread pattern allowed us to achieve excellent performance both on snow and ice;
— Reduced rolling resistance due to the tire’s high resistance to deformation;
— A combination of two types of three-dimensional sipes, thanks to which the tire demonstrates excellent grip on snow and ice;
— Multi-row tread blocks in the central part provide high acceleration efficiency, as well as excellent traction on snowy and icy surfaces
— An innovative rubber compound with microbubbles and “white gel” has excellent absorbent properties.
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The choice of winter tires must be approached with greater responsibility than summer tires. After all, weather conditions during the cold period are very harsh. This includes ice and a large amount of snow - these factors will not be an obstacle for a car equipped with high-quality friction or studded tires.
Let's try to take a closer look at the new product of the Japanese brand - Yokohama Ice Guard IG50 plus, and reviews about it. The most important sources of information are responses from car enthusiasts and the results of specially conducted tests. Let's look at everything step by step.
A little about the manufacturer
The Yokohama company made its first ventures in this area of industry as much as 100 years ago. At the moment, this company is one of the world's largest producers of tires for passenger cars, trucks, sports vehicles, as well as for buses. The company also has other areas of activity - the production of light-alloy wheels, tire tubes, and rubber products for industrial needs. Yokohama supplies its products to such global brands as Mercedes Benz, Aston Martin, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Porshe, AMG. And this is an indicator of quality.
At the very beginning, products were produced only in Japan; a little later the company created branches in the USA and the Philippine Islands. Currently, the manufacturer has factories in Thailand, Australia, Germany, Canada, and China. One plant also exists in Russia, offering exactly the same range of tires.
History of the Yokohama brand
The Yokohama Rubber Company LTD holding was founded in the fall of 1917 in the town of Yokohama, hence the name. A little later, a tire production plant called Hiranuma opened there. The products produced were new in those years and were of high quality, which was subsequently well appreciated by the first car enthusiasts. The use of innovative technologies and adherence to quality standards contributed to the rapid growth of the company and the expansion of the product range offered. Therefore, in 1929, another production facility was opened - in Tsurumi.
And by the mid-thirties of the last century, Yokohama was collaborating with the Toyota and Nissan concerns, and also supplied its tires to the imperial court. The Yokohama trademark was registered in 1937.
During the Second World War, the company will carry out orders intended for the needs of the army. In 1944, the second Yokohama plant, Mie, opened. Japan was defeated in this war, but the manufacturer still continued to increase its capacity: the company managed to sign an agreement to supply tires for US Air Force aircraft.
In the 50-70s of the last century, increased growth rates in car production began. In this regard, the company has to increase production volumes and open new factories and plants. The main office changes its location from Yokohama to Tokyo in 1952.
Since 1957, the company began producing the first tires in its country with synthetic rubber, and since 1958 - with nylon cord. Since 1967, it has launched the production of tires with a radial frame for passenger cars (GT Special).
Since 1969, the company has been opening branches and representative offices in other countries: the USA, Australia, Germany, Vietnam, the Philippines, Belgium, China, Thailand. Yokohama began operating in Russia in 2005.
The main pride of the Japanese holding is the production and supply of tires for racing shootouts. And already in 1983 he became the official supplier of tires for Formula 3 in Macau. Yokohama was the first Japanese tire company to receive ISO9001 certification in 1995.
The state of affairs today
Today, the Yokohama holding is the largest Japanese tire manufacturer, and it also occupies a leading position among global enterprises in this field. One of the top ten companies producing tires.
Yokohama is a partner and supplier of products for numerous auto racing competitions.
Yokohama's production stages are fully automated, so a minimum number of people are involved in the work. Modern components of tires, the use of advanced technologies, the highest quality control, as well as a regular search for innovative ideas allow the company to occupy a stable and confident position in the market.
When producing Yokohama tires, the structural features of the chassis, configuration, and weight of each car are taken into account. Therefore, such rubber significantly increases handling, maneuverability and driving comfort on any road surface in any weather conditions. As a supplier of tires to global automakers, Yokohama inspires well-deserved trust among car owners. This makes the choice clearer and the benefits clearer.
The company's management is also an environmental activist and is committed to zero emissions in rubber production. Yokohama takes part in various charity festivals and projects, the purpose of which is to preserve and maintain Since 2008, the company launched a project to grow trees and plant them on the territory of its own factories and factories.
What tires does the company offer?
"Yokohama" is able to satisfy the desires of any car owner. The company's product range includes summer, winter and all-season tires for all kinds of cars. The use of new IceGuard technology in production makes it possible to increase the stability of the tire in any weather surprises. This product has excellent properties of absorbing excess moisture, which ensures good adhesion of the wheel to the wet road surface.
What are the features of each season?
Yokohama rubber for summer forms an excellent connection to dry or wet roads. A distinctive feature is complete sound insulation, even if the car is moving at high speeds. It is high quality and quite durable. Due to the presence of reinforced sidewalls and a special tread structure, summer tires from Yokohama form good traction with the road surface on various slopes.
Yokohama winter tires have a unique tread pattern; special compounds are also added to the rubber during production. These two components create the conditions for excellent traction of the car on slippery roads. The price range for winter tires from the Japanese company is quite wide, so you can choose an option to suit any budget.
All-season tires are also in demand. These are products that combine the most optimal qualities of the two previous models. An all-season tire has a specific and carefully thought-out tread pattern.
More information about winter tires
Many car owners change summer tires to winter ones at approximately the same time - this is the month of October. Choosing winter tires is quite a responsible matter, because such a product must be of high quality and provide good grip at low temperatures.
Yokohama has a constant competitor - also the Japanese brand Bridgestone, which is considered the first in the tire industry. For this reason, Yokohama developers continually have to improve their processes to further improve product quality. At the same time, reviews of Yokohama winter tires vary greatly.
Yokohama Ice Guard IG50 plus review
One of the latest new products from the company is the Ice Guard IG50 plus tire. Representative of the newest era of studless winter tires. First-class ice grip and reduced fuel consumption - all this is Yokohama Ice Guard IG50 plus.
Reviews note that one of the most common causes of loss of control over a car is a film of water that is located on top of the ice. A similar phenomenon is also called the effect of microaquaplaning on a plane covered with ice. A standard tire on this surface will begin to slide already in the temperature range from 0 to -6 degrees Celsius. During this period, the thickness of the film of water is much greater than the ability of the tire to effectively drain water.
The company's specialists have created a unique water-absorbing rubber mixture. It shows high efficiency in removing water from the contact spot. This ensures that the tire adheres directly to the dry ice surface. This idea was very successful, judging by the reviews of Yokohama Ice Guard IG50 plus.
This effect was achieved due to the presence of absorbent microbubbles in the rubber mixture, which successfully remove the water film from the contact spot. In reviews of the Yokohama Ice Guard IG50 plus, experts report that the surface of the tire has a dense shell, due to which a micro-edge effect is formed, also ensuring the rigidity of any tire block. Also one of the components of this mixture is an absorption white gel. A well-designed tire design prevents tire deformation, reducing fuel consumption. Due to this, the company receives a huge number of positive reviews.
The Yokohama Ice Guard IG50 plus has the following specific tread: in the middle part the contact patch is significantly expanded, with a larger number of lamellas than in the shoulder part. This increases the grip and edge effect on icy roads. The tread is equipped with multi-core blocks concentrated in the central part, which increases the efficiency of braking and control on any surface in winter. Microgrooves are located along the diagonal of the tread, allowing you to achieve the best effect from the very beginning of operation, without resorting to running in the tires.
Yokohama rightfully ranks first in the production of car tires in the eastern part of the planet. It was the sample we were considering that became a successful replacement for the previous, thirtieth model, judging by the reviews.
Yokohama Ice Guard IG50 plus is used in competitions such as the Le Mans and FIA championships and rallies. For this reason, this product will be of interest to car enthusiasts, owners of auto tuning salons, as well as service stations.
Advantages:
- First-class grip on icy surfaces.
- Significant reduction in fuel consumption.
- Reliable connection to the road during its operational life.
- Car control on a snowy road.
The main features of the Yokohama Ice Guard IG50 plus tire, as noted by consumers, are as follows:
- a modernized rubber compound that guarantees traction stability on ice and compacted snow;
- the lower tread layer has become stiffer, thereby improving handling, reducing fuel consumption, and increasing tire life;
- optimized elasticity under different temperature conditions due to high-tech compounds used in the outer tread layer;
- the breaker is reinforced with an additional synthetic cord, and multiple tread profile radii add stability and predictability to the Yokohama Ice Guard IG50 plus tire when maneuvering in rapidly changing weather conditions;
- an increased concentration of lamellas increases the number of gripping edges, which, in turn, reduces the length of the braking distance on an icy surface.
General capabilities of the Yokohama Ice Guard Studless IG50 plus tire
They have been produced since 2012 and are intended for off-road and highway driving in winter conditions. This model belongs to the type of Velcro tires. In translation, the name of the product we are considering means “ice guardian”. This explains the excellent ability of the tire, allowing the driver to maintain balance and drive safely in icy and snow-covered roads.
Among other indicators, plus notes the following:
- Significant reduction in braking time.
- Increased adhesion to a slippery surface, which sometimes even allows you to avoid an emergency situation.
- Environmental friendliness.
- Saving fuel consumption.
- Confident stability and maneuverability.
- Special rubber compound.
Yokohama Ice Guard IG50 plus 205 55R16 tires are produced using special technologies - gel-like silicon is added to the rubber mixture. This structure resembles white balls, their purpose is to adsorb water from the surface with which they come into contact. This is facilitated by the carbon molecules also included in the composition. And in addition - tiny pores, the entire surface is covered with them, they eliminate the signs of aquaplaning.
Advanced rubber compound
Similar to the previous sample, the tread of this tire tends to absorb moisture that forms as a result of contact with ice. Reviews of the Yokohama Ice Guard StudlessIG50 plus report that this item was provided due to a large number of tiny pores, which absorb water when in contact with the road surface. For the previous sample, this technology turned out to be ineffective because the distribution of micropores in the tread was uneven. The use of an improved version of the White Gel absorbent element together with advanced production technologies made it possible to eliminate this defect almost 100%. Result: the braking distance on an icy road was reduced by 7%.
Double layer protector
Another distinctive feature of the Yokohama Ice Guard IG50 plus version, the photo of which is presented above, is the tread structure. It, as before, has two layers, but their characteristics have been radically changed. The inner layer is made of an even more rigid compound.
Judging by reviews from owners of Yokohama Ice Guard IG50 plus tires, the coating has a lower heating rate during driving. These improvements were directly aimed at reducing rolling resistance as much as possible. At the same time, specialists from Yokohama were able to significantly improve a number of other properties that affect operation, ranging from faster control to increased wear resistance.
The outer layer of the tread is made of a compound that is able to maintain elasticity at the required level within very wide temperature limits. Such qualities are achieved through the presence of additional silica in its composition, plus special molecular compounds that increase the uniformity of the compound and ensure the safety of the tread when exposed to different temperatures.
Stable grip properties in all conditions
Another distinctive feature of this model is the stability of its grip performance, regardless of the road surface and weather conditions. This point was achieved thanks to the ability of the tire to keep its shape unchanged, and, as a result, the configuration of the contact patch size is close to square. To create this ability, it was necessary to apply a whole range of innovative ideas, including optimization of the tread profile (flat in the middle part and short-radius in the shoulder). In addition, the breaker has been improved with additional synthetic cord.
It is worth noting the increased rigidity of the lower tread layer, which subsequently improved the resistance of the contact patch to deformation. The logical result of these innovative solutions is the confident consistency of grip characteristics in various conditions.
Increased number of gripping edges
Along with the special rubber compound of the tread, there is excellent traction on ice, which is guaranteed by increasing the number of gripping edges. In total there are more than five thousand of them, and they are mainly built not in blocks, but with lamellas cut into them. Thanks to their special density, these small elements completely compensate for the lack of spikes on this model. Driving on such tires is not only safe, but also comfortable in terms of almost complete noise insulation.
Yokohama managed to increase the number of lamellas without compromising other performance characteristics, more specifically, handling. They used the profile of the walls of these lamellas, making it wavy. This limited the mobility of the blocks, which made them more rigid. As a result, the tire provides reliable grip and excellent handling on ice.
Tests of Yokohama Ice Guard IG50 plus have shown that when purchasing products from this Japanese manufacturer, you can rest assured of the quality of the product. Reliability and durability of operation are ensured thanks to the most modern technologies.
Any tires have positive and negative customer reviews. Yokohama Ice Guard IG50 plus often receives good feedback and pleases its owners. The company claims that Yokohama tires will not let the car owner down even in the most severe frosts, and this is confirmed by the huge number of tests carried out. Yokohama, of course, not but for the sake of good quality you can open your wallet.
Which tires to choose is up to you. But before purchasing, be sure to study everything, compare the chosen model with similar products from other manufacturers, and only then make a decision. We hope that this article was useful and you found the information you needed. Happy shopping!
Yokohama ice GUARD iG50 is a Nordic-type winter friction tire with an asymmetric tread pattern, designed for passenger cars.
Country of origin: Japan.
Yokohama iG50 ice GUARD test from the publication “Automobiles Kazakhstan”, conducted in 2015
In 2015, experts from the publication Automobiles Kazakhstan tested the Yokohama Ice Guard 50 winter tire at size 185/65 R15 and compared it with four similar budget, mid-range and premium tires. In addition, for clarity of the results, one European-type tire and two studded models took part in the test.
Tests were carried out at a testing ground in Finland on a Skoda Rapid Spaceback.
Test results
According to the results of the test, Yokohama ice GUARD iG50 took last place among non-studded models.
The tire showed one of the shortest braking distances on ice, but at the same time its handling and acceleration time were average. On snow, the tire also brakes well, provides fast acceleration and effective handling, while the only drawback on this surface was its resistance to slashplaning: Yokohama’s ascent speed on snow slush turned out to be one of the lowest (only Kama’s was worse). Also, the tire performed mediocre on dry asphalt and worst on wet asphalt.
| Discipline | Place | A comment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Braking on dry asphalt | 6 | The braking distance is 2.4 meters longer than that of the test leader (European-type tires). | |
| Braking on wet asphalt | 8 | Worst result. The braking distance is 7.9 meters longer than that of the test leader (European-type tires). | |
| Handling on wet asphalt | 7-8 | One of the worst results. The track time is 4.6 seconds longer than that of the test leader (European tires). | |
| Braking on snow | 6 | The braking distance is 0.6 m longer than that of the test leader (Nordic friction tire). | |
| Handling on snow | 3 | The track time is 2 seconds longer than that of the test leader (Nordic type friction tire). | |
| Lateral stability on snow | 3 | The lap time is 1.7 seconds longer than that of the test leader (Nordic friction tire). | |
| Traction on snow | 2 | The acceleration time to 20 km/h is 0.1 seconds longer than that of the test leader. | |
| Resistant to slashing | 7 | The ascent speed on slushy snow is 4.06 km/h lower than that of the test leader. | |
| Braking on ice | 2 | The braking distance is 0.5 meters longer than that of the test leader. | |
| Lateral stability on ice | 6 | The lap time is 2.2 seconds longer than the test leader. | |
| Traction on ice | 4 | The time to accelerate to 20 km/h is 2 seconds longer than that of the test leader. | |
Arriving at the T-MARY (Takesu Motoring And Researching Yard) test site in northern Japan, journalists leaned to the windows and watched as four nimble Japanese, armed with scrapers and brushes, skillfully worked around the wheels of the bus. This procedure turned out to be nothing more than cleaning the wheel arches of our bus from dirt. Journalist of the Autoreview newspaper Oleg Rastegaev noted the almost perfect cleanliness throughout the entire territory of the Yokohama testing site, be it technological roads or test tracks. It was at this site that the presentation of the new winter non-studded tires Yokohama iceGUARD iG50 took place.
The group of journalists was met by the head of the Yokohama passenger tire development center, Mr. Yoshimasa Hashimoto, who informed us that this year Yokohama will present new winter tires to Japanese and Russian journalists simultaneously for the first time.
At first glance, there is nothing special about this, but remembering that the Japanese first do everything modern and advanced for themselves, we were able to appreciate what Mr. Hashimota said. In confirmation of this, we saw Japanese and European “right-hand drive” cars lined up in a row, behind the wheel of which we had to evaluate the new product.
In addition to the fact that the new winter tires were simultaneously presented to both Japanese and Russian journalists, they also appeared in stores in the two countries at the same time, and in the same specification. The new product is characterized by a unique asymmetrical tread pattern with micropumps that absorb moisture from the road surface and a new rubber compound, which the Japanese call “white gel.”
To all the journalists’ questions regarding the new composition of the rubber compound, the Japanese did not lift the veil of secrecy one iota, limiting themselves only to the qualitative characteristics. The use of white gel has significantly increased the elasticity of the tread in a wide range of operating temperatures, providing the new model with high grip characteristics on winter roads. Apparently, the white gel is a new formulation of silica based on silicon dioxide, which in its free state is a white powder. By and large, the average car enthusiast doesn’t care about the structure and components of the tread rubber compound. The main criterion here is high-quality traction and grip characteristics on difficult sections of winter roads.
During the first race, we had the opportunity to test the company’s previous flagship model – the Yokohama iceGUARD iG30 winter tires. The conditions of the test, which took place behind the wheel of a right-hand drive Toyota Mark X, are extremely simple and understandable: acceleration to 30 km/h and sharp braking to the floor. To eliminate errors, we repeat the race. The braking distance in both cases is about 34 meters. Then we transfer to a Toyota, shod with new Yokohama iG50 tires. According to sensations and measurements, the braking distance was not reduced significantly - to 33 meters.
To be honest, the performance was not very impressive. Remembering how the iceGUARD iG30 model performed in the 2009 Autoreview test, there were huge doubts that with the advent of the new model, Yokohama would make a breakthrough, surpassing its European competitors. Unless on “warm ice” at temperatures close to zero, where non-studded winter tires are traditionally strong.
Unfortunately, comparative tests with competitors were not announced as part of this program. In return, we were able to once again demonstrate the direct dependence of the braking distance on the increase in speed. Acceleration to 40 km/h, braking “to the floor”, the braking distance has almost doubled and is no longer 33, but 65 meters. This once again confirms that the energy of movement is inversely proportional to the square of the speed, even in Japan!
Comparative tests on snow showed that the new product transitions into sliding more smoothly and predictably, allowing you to maintain control over the car. Handling tests on the Audi A4 quattro and Nissan Leaf electric cars confirmed the predicted sliding behavior of the iG50.
Summing up the presentation, it is quite difficult to draw valid conclusions regarding the effectiveness of the Yokohama iceGUARD iG50. It will be possible to judge the quality indicators of the new product based on the results of the upcoming Autoreview winter tire tests. Now, having compared the price tags, you can be glad that the new product, continuing traditions, remains one of the most affordable on the market. Thus, a set of four wheels in one of the most popular sizes 205/55R16 costs about 20 thousand rubles. For comparison, the latest model of a Japanese competitor, presented on the Russian market in this size, will cost 1 thousand rubles more, and a set of Nokian or Continental friction tires will cost as much as 6-8 thousand rubles more.
The new model of studless tires IG50 is a direct continuation of the IG30. Let's see what's important difference between models.
1) The most important difference, according to Japanese engineers, is an increase in the number of hollow microbubbles of their size and a more orderly presence in the rubber mixture. Here we need to explain what it is! Hollow microbubbles are hemispheres with hard edges that work on the principle of a pump - due to deformation of the volume during compression and expansion, moisture displaces the air present in the voids, and then, through a system of transverse and longitudinal grooves, it is removed beyond the contact patch. This technology is also in the IG30, but now it is more advanced.
2) Next, the “White Gel” additive, its task is also to absorb moisture from the contact patch by increasing the elasticity of the tread. The Japanese claim that this technology will allow for 21% better removal of water from under the contact patch than in the IG30.
3) The number of lamellas in the new model was also increased, and there were 2 types of them, which, when changing the direction of movement, thanks to the toothed profile, engage with each other and create a kind of monolithic structure, which contributes to a quick response to turning the steering wheel.
4) The sidewall of the model also changed: the IG30 had a triangular profile, and the IG50 had a trapezoidal profile, which should increase rigidity, which would improve handling and reduce rolling, and therefore fuel consumption. The new model should consume 5% less fuel than the IG30.
Grand total comparison of these two models:
- Increased number, size and location of hollow microbubbles
- The number of lamellas and their shape have increased
- The sidewall has changed from a triangular profile to a trapezoidal one
At the initial stage, tires will be available in the most popular 44 standard sizes from 12 to 17 inches; in the future, the range will expand to 98 standard sizes with a maximum diameter of 19 inches. It should be noted that Yokohama Ice Guard IG50 with a tread width of more than 235 mm and a diameter of more than 17 inches will have an additional longitudinal track with tread blocks and will be designated Yokohama Ice Guard IG50A
Yokohama Ice Guard IG50
Yokohama Ice Guard IG30
Below are reviews of the model. Remember that modern tire companies themselves often write positive reviews about themselves or negative ones about a competitor. There are also many services where you can order this or that review. Be careful.
