Last week we were presented with an offer that was impossible to refuse. It consisted of traveling to the test center that the TÜV has near Prague to learn in depth the methodology that they apply to their tests.
Although the date caught me a little bad, the invitation from Michelin it was very seductive. I didn't think twice, I went to Madrid and from there to Prague, where they were waiting for us to take us to the hotel.
I found familiar faces of bloggers: Dani Seijo, Oscar and Javier Costas. I could put a face to other names of journalists: Welcome Alcántara and Sara Soria. As on the previous occasion, we were accompanied by Ángel Pardo and Miguel Ángel Gatón from the Michelin communication department.
The stay in Prague was quite short; arrival around 18:XNUMX p.m. on Wednesday and return late on Thursday. That yes, it we make the most of since during the time that we were not in the TÜV test center, Michelin put at our disposal a guide (he spoke Spanish perfectly) to visit the city.
The test that the TÜV was carrying out was a comparison of tires from different categories and brands. It is about checking the wear of the tire and how each brand and model of tire affects the consumption of the car.
The TÜV technicians gave us a crash course on the subject.
The external factors to the tire that influence its duration and the consumption of the car are:
-The car it is mounted on. The dimensions of the chassis are reviewed and corrected periodically. Also, the tires rotate from car to car and always occupying the same position (same axis, same side). Only front tire wear is measured, for being the ones that support the greatest efforts.
Regarding consumption, two identical new cars may have slightly different fuel economy for various construction reasons; That's why the tires change cars, to be able to neglect this factor. The chosen cars are Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI 105 hp.
-Driver. Obviously driving style greatly affects tire life. For it, all the drivers rotate in all the cars, combining it with the tire rotation so that everyone goes through all the cars and all the tires. This also applies to consumption.
Besides all this, Drivers pass a series of psychological tests to confirm that they are the type of driver sought for testing. They are of both sexes and different ages. They have precise instructions on how to drive, they are followed by telemetry and accompanied by cars that monitor the development of the test (these cars do not enter the study)
-The road and the weather. The chosen circuit is open to traffic, in real traffic conditions and includes all types of asphalt and layout: county road, motorway, etc. The weather is also taken into account to have an average of rainy days, sunny days, certain asphalt temperatures, etc.
In addition to all this, the cars all roll together and take over from the leading position. The driving pace is quite high, higher than average use to show more signs of wear and different consumption. Throughout the process, tire pressures are controlled and wear and possible anomalies are checked every 2.000 km. The cars travel 500 km per day if conditions allow.
Each tested tire lasts 14.000 km and the cars are renewed every 45.000. to avoid wear factor. With all these precautions the TÜV ensures a totally reliable result.
Michelin intends to demonstrate with this TÜV test that its tires not only save fuel compared to the competition, but also do so for more kilometers. Is he right? We will know the result (and publish it) when the test is over, in a few weeks. The TÜV will make the measurement results public directly; body to which total impartiality is assumed in its accreditations and certifications.
Very good article. The truth is that I had no idea that a tire test was something so complex.
Of course, the trip to Prague also makes me very envious.
Pufff what a move right?
How much will a wheel affect the consumption of the car?
Is all this necessary to prove it? Duration makes more sense and is more useful, I think.
Finally, a serious study on different tires, because if you pay attention to the manufacturers' advertising... in the end, your tire is the one that wears the least and has the most grip.
I hope that the premium paid for Michelin tires is matched by the performance of these tires.
It is not the first serious study of tires; the TUV carries out several a year (on this same website you will see more than one published). What happens is that it is the first bloggers to be invited and that is why it becomes better known, hehehe
regards