Ivalo Proving Ground

Nokian Tires' 700-hectare proving ground in Ivalo is in use from November to May. With 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 proving ground. Three straight test tracks measuring one kilometer each are set upon its icy surface each winter in order to measure tires' grip during braking and acceleration. - three 20 m x 1,000 m ice straights 

2. Grip on Snow
The friction values of a tire'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 on these 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 tire climbs up a 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 tire's maximum grip in curves with different radiuses and on a long straightaway. 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 tires' behavior on a snowy track, i.e. on a hard-packed snow surface. The route measuring just over 12 kilometers simulates ordinary road conditions with its slopes and curves.- a winding road with slopes and curves, about 12 kilometers long hard-packed snow surface 

6. Handling on a Snowy Track II
The second track intended for evaluating tires' behavior in snow is about one kilometer long. In testing terms, this is a so-called index track where tires' 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 tires by driving at the extreme limits of the tires' 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 tire's lateral grip and longitudinal stability are determined by evaluating its behavior 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 tire'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 proving ground has a maintenance building housing the office premises and a meeting room. During the busiest periods, testing is carried out on an extremely tight schedule, with all available time utilized 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 tires. 

9. Arctic Driving School Ice Tracks

10. Handling on Ice II
This handling test which is conducted on an icy surface measures a tire's maximum grip in curves with different radiuses and on a long straightaway. Tires are evaluated based on measurements and test drivers' views. - ice-covered track: 900 m