Indoor testing of tyres

Nokian Tyres’ indoor testing makes sure that its new rubber mixtures, tread patterns and tyre constructions are of high quality and are friendly to the environment. Moreover, with the indoor testing, we make sure that the tyres conform to norms and requirements worldwide.  Materials testing machines are used to test the structural toughness and high-speed durability oftyres. Repetitive tests are used for monitoring the flawlessness of tyres and for making sure products are of high quality and technically reliable. Obtaining certifications from the authorities and E-certificates requires separate tests which prove that products fulfil the requirements placed on them. 

Endurance testing machines

- used for testing the structural durability of passengercar and van tyres- maximum wheel load 60 kN- maximum speed 320 km/h- test drum diameters 1 707 mm and 2 000 mm- used particularly in product development projects and official ECE tests

High speed materials testing machines

- used for testing tyres’ high-speed endurance- maximum wheel load 15 kN- maximum speed 320 km/h- drum diameter 2 000 mm - camber angle ± 10° and slip angle ± 15°

Materials testing machine for heavy tyres

- used for testing the speed and structure of truck andmachinery tyres- maximum wheel load 40 kN- maximum speed 110 km/h- drum diameter 3.5 m- rim diameters 19.5-42 inches- maximum tyre diameter 2 m- maximum tyre width 1 100 mm

Other tests

• Recommended winter tyre pressures are provided for carmakes sold in the Nordic countries, based on tests conducted by test drivers.
• The water pressure test, in which pressure is applied to a tyre filled with water, reveals the durability of a tyre’s construction.
• The measurement of a tyre’s footprint shows how a tyre makes contact with the road. The shape of the imprint and the surface pressure influence a tyre’s driving properties.
• Several basic measurements provide information about a tyre’s width and diameter, among other things. The results are compared to official regulation tables.
• The European Union has issued noise regulations for tyres. The decibel values obtained in noise measurements must be within the limits stipulated by the regulations. Tests on cabin noise focus on gauging its effects on the driver’s senses, whereas pass-by noise tests reveal the effects of tyre noise on the environment and its soundscape.
• Road wear tests are often carried out in cooperation with VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, for example. The objective is to develop tyres that wear out roads as little as possible.
• The stud force test measures the power with which studs make contact with the road.