How we tested the Terratoura M/T

This year, we were thrilled to reveal the addition of a brand new tyre to our off-road lineup: the Terratoura Mud Terrain (M/T). Specifically engineered to conquer the toughest off-road terrains with ease, the Terratoura M/T features an aggressive tread pattern and advanced, rugged construction to make off-road exploration effortless, no matter the challenge.

To create a tyre with exceptional grip, durability and control when it comes to mud handling and off-roading, takes a rigorous testing programme. When we set out to produce the Terratoura M/T, the testing programme was a vital phase in its development.

The Terratoura M/T was put through its paces across three of Europe’s most challenging independent test facilities. In Spain, at IDAIDA, the Terratoura M/T’s performance on-road and off-road was tested, whilst at UTAC in Finland, the Terratoura was subjected to the most demanding Arctic conditions. Finally, back on home soil at UTAC Millbrook, England, mud, sand and grass traction, as well as gravel braking capabilities were pushed to the limits.

But what did the testing include?

• Wet braking – The wet braking test consists of driving a vehicle at 110 km/h into a heavily watered section of track, and then applying the brakes. The distance is then measured by ultra-precise GPS equipment.
• Dry braking —To ensure the tyres can be relied upon for an emergency stop, ultra-precise GPS equipment measures the distance covered after travelling at 110km/h and coming to a complete stop during a dry brake test.
• Wet handling – Wet handling testing consists of both objective and subjective tests. The objective test is a lap time of a wet handling circuit, taking into account the tyre’s ability to transfer the car’s power to the road and ultimately the amount of control the driver has. Meanwhile, the subjective test is the test driver applying a rating to a number of parameters based on their knowledge, such as safe, predictable handling and effortless road performance.
• Dry handling – this is not only about high-speed performance but also the reaction to steering input and cornering, as well as rear axle stability.
• Ice traction and braking – to prevent any moments of fear where your tyres don’t grip in icy conditions, ice traction is tested by measuring the time taken to accelerate to a predetermined speed. The ice braking test measured the distance covered when slowing from this speed to a stop.
• Snow hill climb – this test consists of measuring the distance taken to accelerate to a predetermined speed on a consistent incline.

After such an intense testing regime, the Terratoura M/T is ready to scale steep, muddy slopes, uneven downhill tracks, or transition from boggy fields to smooth tarmac. Its key features include:

• Prominent shoulder blocks that continue onto the sidewall provide excellent levels of traction, especially in situations where lateral grip may be hard to find.
• Wide shoulder grooves are optimised for efficient dispersion of mud, sand and other loose debris – enhancing off-road traction and control.
• Notched alternating shoulder blocks create a ‘sawtooth’ effect, helping the tyre to bite into rutted tracks and rocky terrains from all steering angles.
• A robust carcass construction provides high load endurance, as well as excellent resistance to damage and punctures in extreme conditions.

To find out more on the Terratoura M/T, visit: https://davanti-tyres.com/tyres/terratoura-m-t/