Vehicle testing of tyres

Tyres’ wear durability is assessed using so-called convoy tests in which three identical cars drive one after the other on a set route. The cars are driven for about 15,000 kilometres during two weeks. Two of the cars have test tyres installed, while the third runs on reference tyres which are used for comparing the results obtained from the test tyres. The test studies how quickly tyres wear out and whether they maintain their smooth and flawless shape in the process. Field tests conducted on taxis driving their normal routes in Nordic countries reveal authentic information about tyre wear on different roads and in various driving situations. The delivery vans of transport companies are equipped with C tyres, which provides Nokian Tyres with direct feedback from the users on the tyres’ functionality and properties in normal applications.  

High speed tyres are tested abroad as well

Tyres designed for high speeds and ultra high performancecars must be driven very fast. Tests on UHP (ultra high performance) tyres cannot be conducted at the Nokia Testing Center to a sufficient extent and with adequate thoroughness. The seasonal changes in Finland leave only a short period of time for testing summer tyres, and so test tracks abroad must be used. In order to obtain extensive results, wet grip, aquaplaning properties and tyre handling are tested e.g. in Idiada, Spain, and Papenburg, Germany. In the winter, summer tyre tests are carried out in South Africa.