How do we test the Vantoura DX450?

Davanti Tyres, one of the UK’s leading mid-range tyre brands, has expanded its Vantoura range, launching the Vantoura DX450. The latest addition to the range is a highly durable and efficient van tyre for light commercial vehicles with exceptional mileage capabilities, designed to keep drivers moving in both wet and dry conditions. But how was the DX450 produced to perform to these standards?

Before manufacturing the Vantoura DX450, the tyre was researched and developed at the exclusive, Applus+ IDIADA, near Barcelona. Here, the Vantoura DX450 concept and prototype was expertly analysed by a 2400 strong team of technicians and engineers, before entering the rigorous testing process.

The testing process for the Vantoura DX450 featured summer and winter testing at UTAC Finland and UTAC Millbook, UK, where various tests were conducted including:

• Wet braking – The wet braking test consists of driving a vehicle at 110 km/h into a heavily watered section of track, 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, a dry brake test looks at the distance covered following a complete stop after travelling at 110km/h, measured by ultra-precise GPS equipment.
• 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 test 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 measures the distance covered when slowing from this speed to a stop
• Slow hill climb – This test consists of measuring the distance taken to accelerate to a predetermined speed on a consistent incline.
  Additionally, the Vantoura DX450 was submitted to DEKRA, a world-renowned automotive safety and evaluation organisation, for open-road wear testing. After testing the tyres over 20,000km on a mix of main road and motorway surfaces, the DX450 achieved up to 36% more mileage on average compared to Davanti’s previous generation commercial van tyre.

Thanks to the thorough testing, whether van drivers are negotiating uneven surfaces on-site or making nationwide and last-mile deliveries across the country, nothing is off-limits for the Vantoura DX450. Its most notable unique design features include:

• Strengthened sidewalls: Built to withstand tough driving conditions, the strengthened sidewalls provide excellent damage protection, ensuring reliability even in demanding situations.
• Optimised tread pattern: Designed with precision, the optimised tread pattern ensures even wear, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. This tread pattern enhances stability and control across all driving conditions while reducing rolling resistance for improved fuel efficiency and long-lasting performance.
• Outer block section: Solid shoulder blocks and a strong central rib design deliver a stable drive, allowing the driver to concentrate on the job. Heavy-duty shoulder construction delivers a responsive drive even under heavy loads and on challenging surfaces.
• Increased tread depth: Engineered for longevity, the DX450 has an increased tread depth compared to the previous generation tyre, delivering significantly improved mileage performance and traction control.
• Specially-formulated compound: This ensures wear resistance to enhance mileage capabilities even when carrying heavy loads.

To find out more information on the Vantoura DX450 tyre, visit here. Or check out the other commercial tyres available in the Davanti range, here.