The Dunlop Winter Maxx WM03 is a Nordic winter tire specifically developed for passenger vehicles, categorized under studless ice and snow tires. Introduced in 2020, the tire is a third-generation friction tire designed for formidable winter conditions. It boasts enhancements over its predecessor, the Dunlop Winter Maxx 02, notably in areas of ice braking and lateral stability, making it a sought-after option for winter driving in East Asia.

Features & Benefits

• Enhanced Ice Braking: Extensive testing shows a 22% shorter stopping distance on ice when compared to its predecessor.
• Improved Lateral Stability: Offers an 11% stronger lateral grip on ice compared to the Winter Maxx 02.
• Long-Lasting Stability: Designed for stable performance throughout the tire's entire lifespan.
• Adaptive Tread Wear: Although the tire shows some limitations in tread wear, its design adapts to maintain structural integrity.
• Efficient on Multiple Surfaces: While it performs slightly less efficiently on asphalt and snow compared to the Winter Maxx 02, its overall performance is well-balanced for a variety of road conditions.

Technologies

• New Rubber Compound: Incorporates a novel rubber compound that enhances the tire’s surface ruggedness, significantly improving grip on ice.
• Multi-Sipe Blocks: These blocks contribute to the tire’s enhanced grip and braking performance on icy roads.
• Nano-Level Rubber Layer: A concave/convex layer keeps the tread supple at low temperatures and maintains its unique structure as the tire wears.
• Farnesene Rubber: Developed in partnership with Kuraray Co., Ltd, this material maintains the tire's ice performance.

Year Released

The Dunlop Winter Maxx WM03 was released in 2020 as a replacement for the Winter Maxx 02, which had been available since 2016. Performance improvements in areas such as ice braking and lateral stability make the WM03 a worthy successor.

Regions Availability

The tire is primarily available in East Asia, catering to the specific requirements of winter driving in this region.

Vehicle Compatibility / Popular Vehicle Fitments

The Winter Maxx WM03 is designed for a broad range of passenger vehicles, including but not limited to:

• Sedans: Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic
• SUVs: Nissan X-Trail, Hyundai Tucson
• Crossovers: Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester

Final Thoughts

The Dunlop Winter Maxx WM03 offers several key improvements over its predecessor, primarily in the realm of ice performance. It successfully balances various demands, from ice braking to lateral stability. While there are some compromises in tread wear and performance on asphalt and snow, the tire excels where it matters most for winter drivers—on ice.

Its strategic design and technological innovations make it a strong contender in the realm of winter tires. Especially suitable for East Asian markets, this tire offers a blend of safety and performance features that should place it high on the list of considerations for anyone seeking reliable winter tires.