Outdoor Testing

Tires’ 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 9,320 miles during two weeks. Two of the cars have test tires installed, while the third runs on reference tires which are used for comparing the results obtained from the test tires. The test studies show how quickly tires wear out and whether they maintain their smooth and flawless shape in the process. Field tests conducted on taxis driving their normal routes reveal authentic information about tire wear on different roads and in various driving situations. The delivery vans of transport companies are equipped with tires, which provide Nokian Tyres with direct feedback from the users on the tires’ functionality and properties in normal applications.

High Speed Tires are Tested Abroad as Well

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