The Zeta Antarctica 8 is a winter tire engineered for vehicles operating in severe snow and slush conditions. Its directional tread design integrates three wide longitudinal grooves, high-density 3D sipes, and shoulder drainage channels to maximize traction on snow-covered roads. Reinforced with an 8-ply rating (PR) and a rigid compound, it prioritizes durability under heavy loads while maintaining flexibility in subzero temperatures.

Features & Benefits

• Three Longitudinal Grooves: Rapidly evacuate water, slush, and melted snow to reduce hydroplaning risk and enhance wet braking.
• 3D Multi-Wave Sipes: Increase biting edges for improved grip on ice and packed snow while resisting tread block deformation.
• Shoulder Drainage Channels: Redirect slush and loose snow from the contact patch, maintaining consistent traction in deep winter conditions.
• High-Density Tread Blocks: Reinforced with stiffening ridges to minimize flex during cornering, improving stability on icy turns.
• 8-Ply Construction: Supports heavy loads (2,679 lbs max) for commercial vans and light trucks without compromising winter flexibility.

Year Released

The Zeta Antarctica 8 launched in 2012.

Regions Availability

This tire is sold in Europe and Russia.

Vehicle Compatibility

Common vehicle fitments include:

• Ford Transit Custom, Transit Connect
• Volkswagen Caddy, Transporter
• Renault Kangoo, Master
• Mercedes-Benz Vito
• Fiat Ducato
• Peugeot Partner

Note: Confirm load capacity and pressure requirements for commercial applications, as overloading may compromise winter traction.

Final Thoughts

The Zeta Antarctica 8 suits drivers needing dependable snow traction at a lower cost. Its robust construction handles heavy loads and rough winter roads, though ice performance lags behind newer studless winter tires. The directional tread excels in deep snow and slush but generates moderate road noise (73 dB), typical for winter commercial tires. While its age shows in limited advancements like ice-specific compounding, it remains a practical choice for budget-conscious fleets in regions prioritizing snow reliability over refinement.