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 proving 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 tire functions on a wet road. The test driver assesses the tire’s functionality, handling properties and consistency. These assessments are supplemented by 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 tire’s lateral grip on wet asphalt. Lap times are recorded on the track, in addition to which the test driver evaluates the tire’s behavior - circle radius 40 m

3. Wet Grip, Braking

A tire’s braking ability on a wet road can be tested using four different surface types. The test measures a tire’s braking distance with ABS and locked wheel braking - length 230 m- width 13 m- four different surface types: standard (Nordic) asphalt, smooth (North American) asphalt, rough asphalt, concrete

4. Longitudinal Aquaplaning

Longitudinal aquaplaning is tested on a track that features an 80-meter tank in which test cars are driven in a straight line. The results are derived from the test drivers’ subjective assessments and 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 tire’s ability to resist aquaplaning in a curve. Lateral aquaplaning is tested on a circle 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 tires’ driving properties and behavior in varying conditions. Driving speeds may reach about 105 mp/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 tires’ behavior in sudden changes of direction. The maneuverability test measures a tire’s performance in constant, sudden changes of direction. Test results are composed of driving speed measurements and free comments by 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 limit values in order for a tire to comply with the directive. The cabin noise test measures the decibel value produced by the tires inside the vehicle. Results are supplemented by the test driver’s subjective assessment.

9. Slush Planing

The slush planing test is used to gauge tires’ behavior and steerability on a track covered by slush. In addition to speed measurements, the test’s results include an evaluation of the tires’ properties by the driver. As a pioneer of the tire branch Nokian Tyres 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 tire’s behavior on different surfaces and the effect of this on driving comfort.