Hankook presented a new generation of winter tyres for trucks: the Smart Control AW53 for the steering axle and the Smart Control DW53 for the drive axle, specifically designed for harsh winter conditions.
The Latest Winter Tyres from Hankook
Hankook Smart Control AW53 and DW53 are replacing the previous Smart Control AW02 and DW07, combining high traction on snow and ice with improved cornering and braking performance as well as high mileage. Both tyres are presented at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover, from 15 to 20 September, at stand E09 in Hall 11.
The development focus for the new Smart Control generation was on consistently high winter performance over the tyres’ entire life. Using advanced technology to improve winter traction, new tyres feature several tread elements: zigzag grooves and 3D sipes that ensure added grip on snow and ice, while tie bars increase the stability of the tread blocks for precise manoeuvrability and driving stability.
In internal comparison tests at the UTAC Test Centre in Ivalo, Finland, the Smart Control AW53 and DW53 achieved significantly improved braking on snow (2.8 %), better acceleration on snow (4 %) and better handling characteristics on snow (3.7 %) than the predecessor AW02 and DW07 models.
A key feature of the new Hankook Smart Control AW53 and DW53 winter tyres is the Hidden Groove technology: additional tread grooves are only exposed as wear increases, improving traction on snow and grip on wet roads even in cases of advanced wear. When tread wear reaches 40%, additional 3D sipes become visible, boosting the stiffness of the tread blocks and thus improving grip and low rolling resistance. When wear reaches 70%, additional concealed grooves are exposed that improve grip in the wet. Together with the self-regenerating sipes, this preserves high winter performance over the tyre’s entire service life, while extending the service life of the tyres in the new Smart Control generation by up to 15%.
Stone ejectors integrated in the main grooves, as well as Y-shaped lateral grooves that are narrow at the bottom and wide at the top, reduce the number of stones picked up and protect the tread and carcass from damage, while a newly developed compound also supports balanced grip.
All new Smart Control winter tyres carry the 3PMSF label and both AW53 and DW53 can be regrooved and retreaded. The Smart Control AW53 will be available in the size 385/65 R22.5 164K (158L) with a maximum load capacity of 5,000 kg per tyre. The Smart Control DW53 for the drive axle will be available in the size 315/80 R22.5 (156/150L) with a maximum load capacity of 4,000 kg per tyre for individual tyres or 3,350 kg per tyre for twin tyres. Further sizes will follow.
