Nokia proving ground

 
On the Nokia proving ground, Nokian Tyres simulates almost all driving situations on northern roads. Testing is conducted at Nokia from April to November. Spreading over an area of 30 hectares, the providing ground is constantly being developed to meet the challenges of difficult conditions as well the demands of the future.

  

1. Wet handling

Wet handling tests are used to evaluate how a tyre functions on awet road. The test driver assesses the tyre’s functionality, handlingproperties and consistency. These assessments are supplementedby lap times on the track.- length 500 m- width 5 m- curve radiuses 35-50 m- automatic sprinklers  

  

2. Wet grip, circle

The wet circle is used to measure a tyre’s lateral grip on wetasphalt. Lap times are recorded on the track, in addition to whichthe test driver evaluates the tyre’s behaviour. - circle radius 40 m
 

3. Wet grip, braking

A tyre’s braking ability on a wet road can be tested using fourdifferent surface types. The test measures a tyre’s braking distancewith ABS and locked wheel braking.- length 230 m- width 13 m- four different surface types: standard (nordic) asphalt, smooth (Central European) asphalt, rough asphalt, concrete
 

4. Longitudinal aquaplaning

Longitudinal aquaplaning is tested on a track that features an80-metre tank in which test cars are driven in a straight line. Theresults are derived from the test drivers’ subjective assessmentsand objective aquaplaning speed measurements.- length 80 m- width 3 m - maximum water depth in tank 15 mm
 

5. Lateral aquaplaning

Lateral aquaplaning tests are used to measure a tyre’s ability toresist aquaplaning in a curve. Lateral aquaplaning is tested on acircle track.- length 20 m- width 5 m- radius 100 m- water depth 8 mm

- track inclination 1.5%
 

6. Handling track

On the handling track, test drivers try out and evaluate tyres’driving properties and behaviour in varying conditions. Drivingspeeds may reach about 170 km/h.- length 1800 m- width 6-20 m- curve radiuses from 100 to 150 m - subjective evaluation
 

7. Lane change/elk test/manoeuvrability test

The lane change and elk tests study tyres’ behaviour in suddenchanges of direction. The manoeuvrability test measures a tyre’sperformance in constant, sudden changes of direction. Test resultsare composed of driving speed measurements and free commentsby the test drivers.- length 400 m - width 20 m
 

8. Noise, pass-by noise and cabin noise

Pass-by noise is measured in accordance with EU Directive2001/43/EC. Test results must remain within the stipulated limitvalues in order for a tyre to comply with the directive.The cabin noise test measures the decibel value produced by thetyres inside the vehicle. Results are supplemented by the test driver’s subjective assessment.
 

9. Slush planing

The slush planing test is used to gauge tyres’ behaviour andsteerability on a track covered by slush. In addition to speedmeasurements, the test’s results include an evaluation of the tyres’properties by the driver. As a pioneer of the tyre branch NokianTyres has developed the methods of slush planing measurement.The slush track at the Nokia proving ground is unique in the world.- length of slush-covered area 20 m- width of slush-covered area 5 m- track radius 100 m- adjustable slush depth, for example 40 mm- measurement of slush’s water content - measurement of maximum speed
 

10. Driving comfort

These tests are used to study a tyre’s behaviour on different surfaces and the effect of this on driving comfort.
 

11. Maintenance and office buildings

- garages for trucks and cars- offices- meeting rooms