Published on : 31 October 20192 min reading time
A tyre test is carried out by a specialised pilot. Working for players in the field, its mission is to measure and evaluate tire handling. To do this, it carries out tests on various types of terrain and on all climatic conditions. The tests also cover wear, fuel consumption, durability and high-speed resistance. With this type of test, it becomes easier to determine which type of tire is suitable for which type of driving.
Testing on all types of tires
To carry out a tyre test, specialised players choose brand tires and tires that have a certain importance on the market. The idea is to be able to establish a price range for all products, whether they are of superior quality or intended for small budgets.
For new products on the market, testers opt for the manufacturer’s first series. They are immediately put on sale in the free market before the test in question is completed. Then we test them again. This series test makes it possible to exclude a product in the event of a deviation (for example, a braking problem on wet surfaces). Measures are then taken in different disciplines.
The brand of tires not revealed to the test driver
During a tire test, each product to be tested is numbered and this is done randomly to maintain anonymity. A driver therefore does not know the brand of the tyre he is testing. The number is used to reference a product so that all assessments and measurement results can be retained throughout the test.
The routes used for all tests are closed to traffic, except for wear measurements. And before starting the tests, all the tires are tested on dry ground.
The different test criteria
The performance of a tire test is based on a few important criteria. First, the handling must be tested on wet, dry and snow for a winter tire. Then we focus on comfort and noise on a concrete and asphalted course. Fuel consumption is also analysed at a constant speed of 100 km/h. In addition, there is also the wear test. Finally, the stability of the tire is checked at the maximum authorized speed.