Ivalo testing center
Ivalo Testing Center
- "White Hell"
Nokian Tyres’ 700-hectare testing center in Ivalo is in use from November to May. The state-of-the-art equipment, the different tests and the expert staff make sure that all the extreme situations in winter driving are thoroughly studied.
1. Grip on ice
Tammijärvi Lake is the largest lake at the Ivalo Testing Center.Three straight test tracks measuring one kilometre each are set upon its icy surface each winter in order to measure tyres’ grip during braking and acceleration.
- three 20 m x 1 000 m ice straights
2. Grip on snow
The friction values of a tyre’s lateral and longitudinal grip are measured using equipment installed in the test vehicle. Tests are conducted on two straights of different lengths. The surface onthese tracks is made up of hard-packed snow.
- test tracks: 20 m x 1 000 m and 25 m x 500 m
3. Hill test
The hill test is used to measure and evaluate how a tyre climbs upa steep slope. Three routes with different profiles and steepness and a different number of curves lead up to the hill. Test results are obtained from the test driver’s comments and objective measurements.
- maximum 20% incline
- three routes: 1 000 m, 900 m and 500 m
4. Handling on ice
Conducted on an icy surface, this handling test measures a tyre’s maximum grip in curves with different radiuses and on a long straight. Measurement results and the test driver’s views are used in the evaluation.
- two ice-covered tracks: 800 m and 1 000 m
5. Handling on a snowy track
In this handling test, an experienced test driver compares the tyres’behaviour on a snowy track, i.e. on a hard-packed snow surface.The route measuring just over 12 kilometres simulates ordinary road conditions with its slopes and curves.
- a winding road with slopes and curves, about 12 kilometres long hard-packed snow surface
6. Handling on a snowy track II
The second track intended for evaluating tyres’ behaviour in snowis about one kilometre long. In testing terms, this is a so-called index track where tyres’ basic properties can be defined. The demanding route features a large number of curves with different radiuses. Test drivers find out the difference between various tyres by driving at the extreme limits of the tyres’ grip and at extremely high speeds. Measured driving times and the test drivers’ subjective assessments complement each other.7. Lateral grip and longitudinal stability on ice
A tyre’s lateral grip and longitudinal stability are determined by evaluating its behaviour on ice. Lateral grip is tested on an icy circle track. Lap times are recorded in the circle track test, and otherwise comparisons are based on subjective views of the tyre’s handling. When carrying out tests on ice, testers aim to keep conditions as constant as possible by roughening the track’s surface with a specially designed roughener. The objective is to keep the ice evenly slippery.
- circle diameter 300 m
- handling track 2 300 m
8. Maintenance area: office and garages
The Ivalo Testing Center has a maintenance building housing theoffice premises and a meeting room. During the busiest periods, testing is carried out on an extremely tight schedule, with all available time utilised as efficiently as possible.The garages are used to store and service test cars and equipment used for repairing the test tracks, and to mount and change tyres.9. Arctic Driving School ice tracks
