Four wheeling is all about enjoying the freedom to go anywhere, at anytime. But even with the wide range of capabilities that today’s off-road tires possess, the ability to deliver traction in any weather, including ice and snow, is not usually one of them. Now, Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc., a leading manufacturer of off-road and street performance tires, has announced that it has added a new tire to its popular Grappler series that really is a true all-weather tire – the Exo Grappler AWT. Nitto’s new Exo Grappler AWT tires are designed specifically to deliver consistent traction on dirt trails, gravel and farmland, while providing driving comfort when cruising at highway speeds. Thanks to its new chip-resistant all-weather compound, three-ply sidewall construction and large, thick sidewall lugs, this tire returns superior puncture resistance and carries a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake winter tire rating. “The Exo Grappler AWT brings together the designs and technologies that we’ve developed throughout the extensive testing of all of our Grappler tires and combines them into the new tire,” said Alan Ngo, Senior Staff Engineer of Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. “We’ve designed a tire that is not only competent on dirt, gravel and pavement, but also has excellent capabilities in snow and ice.” The Exo Grappler AWT features a number of advanced technologies that give it both superior off-road and on-road capabilities, even in freezing temperatures. Off road, its staggered shoulder blocks provide increased traction in loose dirt while the integrated stone ejectors reduce stone retention and drilling. Additionally, the tire’s three-ply sidewalls with large sidewall lugs add strength and guard against unwanted punctures. On pavement, the Exo’s gear-shaped block edges work to reinforce the tread blocks and provide a more stable contact patch for better control and the computer-designed variable-pitch tread blocks reduce tire noise at highways speeds. What really sets the Exo Grappler AWT apart from the competition is its ability to also maintain traction in snow and ice. The tire utilizes a new rubber compound that is a mix of natural rubber, high-strength polymers and wear-resistant materials that is durable and allows for traction in freezing temperatures. Specially designed sipes also help create better biting edges and water evacuation on icy surfaces while the tire’s large lateral groves help evacuate snow and slush. The tire also features molded stud holes that are compatible with TSMI #15 sized studs for even more added winter traction. Nitto Exo Grappler AWT tires are available in the most popular 17, 18 and 20-inch rim diameter sizes.