Certification mark for vehicle accessories
Scope:
The certification mark applies to normal tyres (summer), M&S- and snow tyres (Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake “3PMSF”) 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 TÜV SÜD certification mark, the tyre to be tested must comply with certain threshold values in the tests. The threshold values are based on either a reference condition or fixed reference values. The tyre must also fulfill all minimum requirements set forth in Regulations ECE R30 and ECE R117.
Key words of the certification mark:
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Performance tested
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, operational reliability and environmental properties, and was developed on the basis of user-focused normal tyre use.
To be awarded with the certification mark, the tyres must outperform the above criteria of existing standards and threshold values.
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Production monitored
Periodic surveillance of the manufacturer of a product constitutes the basic premise for certification that includes the award of a certification mark. Certification always requires product testing and regular factory inspections.
As a third-party expert organisation, TÜV SÜD Product Service verifies that the manufacturer is able to maintain consistent quality in line with the requirements throughout high-volume production and has established the necessary quality system, including incoming goods inspections, lists of materials and finished product testing.
In addition, calibration of the necessary measuring and monitoring equipment must be ensured. Surveillance and/or monitoring covers the testing of safety-critical components and other materials used. If unauthorised changes are made to the product, certificate validity will expire and the TÜV SÜD certification mark may no longer be used.
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Wet & Dry Safety
“Wet Safety” describes tyre 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 (except light commercial vehicle tyres (LT or C-marked).
The tyre’s dynamic driving characteristics, such as steering performance, safety reserves and near-limit performance, are tested on a wet handling course or wet circle track.
The statement “Dry Safety” describes tyre performance on a dry road surface, and includes testing of the braking performance. All tyres except light commercial vehicle tyres are tested for dynamic driving characteristics on a dry road (LT or C-marked).
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 or snow circle course.
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High-Speed Durability
The tyre's load capacity at high speeds is tested under rigorous test conditions. Light commercial vehicle tyres have to pass a stress test at higher load and a durability test at low pressure test additionally.
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Noise
The certified tyres must fall below the current valid 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.
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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.
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Tyre Test Standard
This refers to the internal test standards PPP 90006A and PPP 90028A
