From unpredictable Shape-Shifting storms, to the heavy pull of Slush, invisible Black Ice, blinding Whiteouts, and suffocating Snowfall — winter changes its form without warning.

VikingContact 8 is engineered for exactly these conditions: a premium winter tire that delivers excellent ice performance, reliable braking on wet, snow- or ice-covered roads, confident traction and handling, and optimized range or fuel economy for passenger cars, crossovers, SUVs and light trucks.

Explore the villains to understand each face of winter — and see how VikingContact 8 helps you meet them head on.

Shape-Shifter "Unpredictable Storms": Snow, Rain, Ice — He Changes at Every Turn.

When temperatures hover near freezing, winter becomes unpredictable. Road surfaces can rapidly transition between dry, wet, snow-covered or icy, often within the same journey. These sudden shifts define Shape-Shifter — the side of winter that changes without warning.

This unpredictability increases risk. Drivers often react based on the last road condition, not the current one, which can reduce traction and control when it's needed most.

When winter’s many faces prove unpredictable, VikingContact 8 tackles them safely.
It is engineered to deliver safe performance in changing conditions — whether the road is wet, icy, snowy, or a combination. The advanced tread design helps maintain consistent grip, while the Nordic compound adapts to varying temperatures to support control throughout the drive.

Slush Monster: Thick. Heavy. Slowing You Down.

When melting snow and moisture accumulate on the road, they form a heavy surface layer that can pull at the vehicle and reduce steering precision. This unstable buildup is what we refer to as Slush Monster.

Slush increases braking distance and can conceal changes in the driving surface beneath. Drivers may feel the vehicle being drawn off course or experience resistance when turning or changing lanes.

VikingContact 8 offers support in these conditions.
Its advanced tread design featuring 3D sipes helps break through soft surface buildup and channel moisture away from the road contact area, contributing to greater control and stability when slush becomes a challenge.

Black Ice: You Never See Him Coming.

Black ice forms when moisture on the road freezes into a thin, clear layer. Because it blends with the asphalt, it is often undetectable to the eye and gives the appearance of a wet or bare surface.

This lack of visual warning means drivers often approach these areas at normal speed, only to experience a sudden loss of traction. Steering response and braking ability are significantly reduced, making Black Ice one of the most hazardous winter conditions.

When black ice takes hold, VikingContact 8 keeps its grip.
Its latest cold-weather compound is engineered to stay flexible in low temperatures, helping the tire maintain contact with the road surface and support control when black ice is present.

Whiteout: Takes Away what You Rely On Most — Your Sight.

Whiteout conditions occur when wind, falling snow, and drifting powder reduce visibility to near zero. With no clear view of the road, horizon, or lane markings, drivers are forced to rely on instinct rather than sight.

This sudden loss of visual reference can lead to overcorrection or delayed reaction, making even controlled driving feel uncertain. When the environment disappears, maintaining vehicle stability becomes critical.

VikingContact 8 supports control when visibility is compromised.
Its tread design helps maintain consistent road contact, while optimized winter performance supports confident handling when drivers must reduce speed and continue with limited visibility.

Snowfall "The Suffocator": She Buries Everything In Her Path.

Heavy snowfall builds up on the road, creating uneven surfaces that vary between loose powder and compacted layers. As snow deepens, traction can decrease, and vehicles may struggle to maintain momentum—especially on inclines or during acceleration.

Compacted snow can also conceal frozen surfaces beneath, making grip less predictable and increasing braking distance.

VikingContact 8 is designed to help maintain traction in deep and layered snow conditions.
Its tread pattern supports snow-on-snow grip, while a winter-optimized compound remains flexible in cold weather, helping stabilize control when snow builds across the road surface.