This report presents the results of a comprehensive evaluation on the performance of patrol vehicle tires conducted in 2001 by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC).
In July 2001, the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) conducted the fourth comprehensive evaluation of patrol vehicle tires. This report presents the results of this evaluation. Four companies, from major manufacturers of police tires donated tires for testing. The four tire brands tested were the Firestone Firehawk PV41, General XP-2000 V4, BF Goodrich Touring T/A VR4, and Goodyear Eagle RS-A. In addition, a nonpolice or regular passenger car tire (Brand X) was selected at random and evaluated for comparison purposes. Tire descriptions were provided for each of the tires tested in the categories of tire size, tread, sidewall, maximum load, maximum inflation, and U.S. Government mandated ratings. Each brand was subjected to eight tests to measure its performance in wet and dry road conditions and determine its tread wear characteristics. The tires were tested on a 2001 Ford Police Interceptor and a 2001 Chevrolet Impala, representing the vast majority of police cars in service. Due to driving conditions varying so widely across the country, there were no specific winners or losers identified in the results of the evaluation. The tests conducted included: (1) static circle test-wet and dry pavement surface; (2) serpentine test-wet and dry pavement surface; (3) stopping distance-wet and dry pavement surface; (4) high-speed handling; and (5) tire wear measurement.