KYB shocks survive the cold treatment

GREENWOOD, Ind. — It has been a cold past few months for KYB Americas Corp.

Literally.

The global hydraulics manufacturer producer supplied specially designed shock absorbers for a team of drivers who tackled an arctic challenge, a 12,500-mile journey that included driving off-road over the frozen Atlantic Ocean.

The team, led by Toyota ambassador Bogdan Bulychev, became the first to reach the remote New Siberian Islands by automobile, surviving conditions that reached -80ºF. The team started in January and finished in May, covering such remote places in Russia as Yakuta, Kolyma, Magadan, Kamchatka and Chukotka.

The vehicles used were two SUVs, the Toyota Hilux and a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 150, both modified for driving in extreme conditions, with 38 inch wheels, LED lighting, thermal insulation and double glazed glass.

Heaters were installed on both engines, a thermal blanket on top and insulating boxes covered the radiators, according to KYB. Oversized fuel tanks allowed the vehicles to operate non-stop for up to 10 days.

The average temperature was -58ºF with the lowest recorded at -80ºF.

The KYB shock absorbers were designed for maximum control and durability in extreme off-road conditions. The company said the shock absorbers allowed the internal temperature to stabilize during operation, reducing the likelihood of fluid foaming and reducing internal stresses.