Certification mark for motor vehicle accessories
Scope
The certification mark applies to normal tyres (summer), M&S-, snow- (Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake “3PMSF”) and Nordic snow tyres for motor vehicles.
Basis of certification
The certification mark is awarded within the framework of voluntary testing and certification. The test procedure was developed by TÜV SÜD Product Service. To be awarded the certification mark, the tyre to be tested must neither fall below nor exceed certain threshold values in the test.
It also must meet certain minimum performance requirements compared to the average results of selected benchmarks. When evaluating the tyre against the competitive set, the result achieved by the tested tyre will be placed in relation to the mean value of the collective group. The quotient is the percentage value of the test tyre in the respective test. The mean value of the competitors is always used as the basis, i.e. as 100 per cent. Given this, the tyre will achieve a percentage above or below 100 per cent depending on its performance. Calculation of the percentage is such that performance better than that of the collective group will always achieve a value of > 100 percent while poorer performance will be rated at a value < 100 percent.
Key words of the certification mark:
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Performance
Tyre performance is verified in practice tests such as test-rig tests and road tests. The test program includes criteria from fields such as driving dynamics, driving safety and environmental properties, and was developed on the basis of user-focused normal tyre use.
The certification mark can be applied for by tyre manufacturers, who are certified as suppliers of OEM tyres for the automotive industry according to VDA Standard 6.1 – which comprises requirements for suppliers and sub-contractors of the automotive industry – or according to an equivalent or higher international standard (e.g. ISO 16949). Proof of fulfilment of the above criteria must be provided on application.
All tyres are tested for their performance on a wet road surface. For this statement to be included on the certification mark, all tyres (except studded Nordic snow tyres) are tested against a standard reference test tyre. These results are then used to calculate the wet grip index (G) of the tested tyre. The test also determines the tyre’s aquaplaning performance (except Nordic snow tyres).
The tyre’s dynamic driving characteristics, such as steering performance, safety reserves and near-limit performance, are tested on a wet handling course. Alternatively, lateral guidance on a wet road is tested on a wet circle.
Snow tyres (3PMSF marking, “snowflake symbol”) are subject to additional tests, such as braking and traction tests on snow. In addition, dynamic driving characteristics are determined on a snow-covered handling course or circle. Nordic snow tyres have to pass limits on ice surface in Addition.
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Enviroment
The certified tyre was tested for noise emissions and rolling resistance (Except studded Nordic snow tyres).
Noise: The certified tyres must fall below the limit value for drive-by noise defined by the European legislation. The noise emissions of the test tyre are measured according to ECE R 117. (Except studded Nordic snow tyres)
Rolling Resistance: Rolling resistance is determined according to the “measurement of electrical power” method described in ISO 28580. This method determines rolling resistance at a speed of 80 km/h. (Except studded tyres)
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Safety
Summer tyres (without M+S or Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF) marking) are tested for their performance on a wet road surface. For this statement to be included on the certification mark, the tyre in question is tested against a standard reference test tyre. The results are then used to calculate the wet grip index (G) of the tested tyre. The test also determines the tyre’s aquaplaning performance.
The tyre’s dynamic driving characteristics, such as steering performance, safety reserves and near-limit performance, are tested on a wet handling course. Alternatively, lateral guidance on a wet road is tested on a wet circuit. Additionally, braking performance and dynamic driving characteristics are tested on a dry road.
Winter tyres (with M+S or Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF) marking) are subject to additional tests, such as braking and traction tests on snow. In addition, dynamic driving characteristics are determined on a snow-covered handling course.
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Type Test Standard
This refers to the internal test standards PPP 90023A and PPP90030A.
