This report presents the results of the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center's (NLECTC's) comprehensive evaluation of patrol vehicle tires for 2001.
Five brands of tires were tested on the Chevrolet Impala and Ford Police Interceptor. The size of all of the test tires was P225/60R-16. The brand names were the BF Goodrich Touring T/A VR4, Firestone Firehawk PV41, General XP-2000 V4, Goodyear Eagle RS-A, and Brand X. The static circle test was performed on both a dry and wet pavement surface to determine the road-holding performance characteristics of the test tires in a steady-state turning situation on the two types of surfaces. The serpentine test was conducted on both dry and wet pavement surfaces to determine each tire's transient response characteristics and performance on the two types of surfaces in the course of negotiating a serpentine path between pylons set in a straight line. The stopping-distance test was also conducted on both dry and wet pavement surfaces. It involved determining the performance characteristics of the test tires in a simulated "panic" stop of a patrol vehicle on the two types of surfaces. The high-speed-handling test was designed to determine each tire's high-speed-pursuit handling characteristics and performance on a 1.43-mile road-racing type course. Tire-wear measurements were performed to determine each tire's wear characteristics over the entire performance evaluation. Test methodologies and equipment are described. Score sheets on each tire's performance in the various test categories are presented but do not identify any overall "winner" or "loser." Because driving conditions in different parts of the country vary widely, individual agencies must identify the tires for their patrol vehicles that are best suited to their jurisdiction's driving conditions and needs. Extensive data tables and appended supplementary information and an analysis to determine statistical significance