Low Rolling Resistance Tires – Winter Performance

Overview

1. The Fine Print
2. Methodology
3. Part 1 - Laboratory Based Testing
4. Part 2 - Vehicle Based Testing
5. Vehicle Testing Results Summary

1. The Fine Print

• Gross differences in tire performance differences (if any)
  • NOT a tire ranking exercise
• Tire selection independent of manufacturer support
  • Acquired through channels available to consumers

2. Methodology

• Lab Based Testing
• Vehicle Based Testing

3. Part 1 - Laboratory Based Testing

Purpose of Lab Tests

• Quantify performance differences
• Help correlate vehicle test results

Limitations

• Single tire sample per test
• Snow traction test is an outdoor test
  • Weather dependent
  • Relative
• Trends & gross differences only
  • No ranking

Test to be Performed

• Rolling Resistance Measurement
  • Smithers facility in Ravenna, OH
• Durability Testing
  • Smithers facility in Ravenna, OH
• Snow Traction
  • Smithers facility in Raco, MI

Rolling Resistance Results

 

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Durability Testing

• Durability testing allows for qualitative comparison. It does NOT model or predict tire lifespan
• The base test only establishes a minimum level of performance for road worthiness

Durability Testing Results

 

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Durability Testing Notes

• At its core, the durability test is only an acceptability test.
• Durability test does NOT model or predict lifespan.

Snow Traction Testing

• Based on ASTM F1805, modified for heavy truck tires
• Results are normalized against a “control” tire
• Forward (driving) traction only.
  • No lateral component (such as cornering)
  • No braking

Snow Traction Apparatus

Snow Traction Results

 

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Lab Results Summary

• Rolling Resistance
  • SmartWay-verified tires have much lower RR
• Durability
  • Comparable to non-SmartWay-verified tires
• Snow Traction
  • Comparable to non-SmartWay-verified tires

4. Part 2 - Vehicle Based Testing

Purpose of Vehicle Based Testing

• Does a SmartWay-verified designation entail a significantly reduced winter performance?
• Lab vs. Actual (vehicle based testing)
• Possible effects on vehicle interaction

Vehicle Setup

• Extensive instrumentation
  • Vehicle computer
  • GPS
  • IMU
• Other additional data

Tests to be Performed

• Stopping Distance Measurement
• Turning Test
  • On/off ramp analogue

Limitations

• Single configuration sample per test
• Weather dependent
• Trends and gross differences only
  • No ranking

Stopping Distance Results

 

Text Version for Figure 7

Turning Test

• Simulation of on/off ramp
• Road holding ability
• 180 degree turn, 23 m radius

 

Turning Test Results

• Pass/Fail only