Even without studs, the tire's compound and tread design boost the ice and snow gripping ability. The silica-based compound improves the tire's flexibility in colder temperatures, while also increasing the winter weather traction. The asymmetric tread design features large tread blocks and a high-density 3D canyon siping pattern that improves the number of biting edges gripping the ice- and snow-covered road surface. The special lateral snow grooves pack snow in between the tread elements to increase the snow-on-snow traction and to clean the road surface of snow quicker. The tread's straight and wavy circumferential grooves prevent hydroplaning. They disperse water and slush from below the tire's footprint to improve the tire's performance and road contact in all winter conditions.