GT Radial demonstrates winter tyre capabilities at Finnish proving ground

GT Radial took its European dealers to Test World’s Mellatracks Proving Ground in Ivalo, Finland on 19-24 March to test the Champiro WinterPro and studded Champiro IcePro winter tyres. Facing a range of snow and ice handling tests, the brand showed its winter tyres’ ability; the unstudded WinterPro, most suitable for European markets such as Germany and the growing UK segment, is TÜV-SÜD accredited, having completed a tyre comparison test in 2010.

During TÜV testing, the WinterPro improved on the collective performance of the reference tyres – a mix of two other tyres produced in Asia and one from Europe – in a series of key performance indicators such as wet braking, aquaplaning and dry braking.

The WinterPro was developed specifically for Europe, concentrating on the operating range of around 5°C to -10°C. In tests conducted at and around the lowest end of this range, the tyre provided the increased traction and grip necessary for continued mobility on the snow handling track. On the extremely slippery ice tracks – too slippery to walk – the studded IcePro allowed drivers to slalom between cones with relative ease.

An important part of the winter driving workshops was the tutelage of GT Radial’s test drivers, led by senior test engineer, Ellis Hadley. In informing its dealers of the feel both tyres give drivers in winter conditions, GT Radial helps to disseminate information on what its winter products can do down the supply chain. Hadley told T&A that the perception of how to use the winter tyres was important, as they do not give drivers the ability to transfer directly summer season driving methods to harsh conditions. The increased responsiveness of the WinterPro on snow ultimately increases safety, but for optimal driving, it is just as important that the driver responds to the tyres’ feedback.