TEST DISCIPLINES - WINTER

ICE CIRCLES

The vehicle is lined up at the edge of the 50 metre diameter circle, a fixed amount of steering lock is applied and the vehicle is accelerated until the limits of lateral grip is exceeded and the vehicle deviates from the intended path.

The result is taken from an average of several laps. This is a crucial measurement of lateral grip on ice.

ICE TRACTION + BRAKING

Preventing that dreaded moment when you hit the brakes on ice and the vehicle has insufficient grip to safely slow down is a key expectation of winter tyres.

Ice traction is tested by measuring the time taken to accelerate to a predetermined speed. The ice braking test measures the distance covered when slowing from this speed to a stop. These tests are carried out on a carefully prepared and controlled brushed ice surface.

ICE HANDLING

The 1,300 metre track at Ivalo is fast and flowing and really tests the tyres. A mix of tightening turns and hairpins - negotiated with all electronic driver aids disabled - is a real challenge for driver, car and tyres. The track is graded between runs and the result is an average of lap times.

SNOW HANDLING

Snow handling is tested on Test World’s demanding Alpine Circuit. Featuring tight hairpins, long straights, steep elevation changes and off-camber corners, this facility goes far beyond the typical conditions encountered by most motorists.

Our testing consists of repeated timed runs on this track, to ensure the performance of our tyres consistently and reliably meets and exceeds the performance requirements of drivers on snow-covered roads.

SNOW HILL CLIMB

Traction on low grip surfaces is a key performance criterion for winter tyres. The snow hill climb test consists of measuring the distance taken to accelerate to a predetermined speed on a consistent incline.