In detail about homologations
Automakers constantly strive to surprise consumers with new car models: with improved handling, safety, and comfort characteristics. The evolution of the car depends on three industrial components: metallurgy, electronics, and tire production. Tires are responsible for the car's grip on the road, and therefore for the safety of the driver and passengers, and, undoubtedly, operational characteristics (acceleration, braking, smoothness of ride, even - noise level and fuel consumption).
Tires are a technically complex product. They are responsible for a combination of characteristics that can vary depending on the class of car and consumer expectations.
Homologation is meticulous engineering work, the result of which can sometimes only be noticed by a professional. It can also be the other way around - the tread pattern can be changed so much that until you look at the sidewall, you won't understand that it's the same model, just with homologation.
A modified, i.e. homologated, tire differs from the standard one.
The key difference between homologated tires and standard ones is the joint work of the automaker and the tire manufacturer with an emphasis on individual characteristics and design of a specific car. Homologated tires are adapted to the characteristics and design features of a specific car.
What does homologation give to the car?
What does adaptation to the design features of the car and its characteristics give? Mandatory compliance with requirements that are refined in numerous technological tests:
- stable handling on different road surfaces:
- wet and dry, icy and snowy roads;
- better braking on different road surfaces: dry and wet, icy and snowy roads;
- transverse and longitudinal aquaplaning;
- rolling resistance;
- tire weight;
- smoother ride and comfort;
- reduced tread noise;
- increased tire life.
Let's break down how homologation is designated using the example of tires for Porsche cars.
Initially, homologation for Porsche was marked with the following markings: N0, N1, N2, N3, N4. The letter indicated global homologation by brand, and the number - the serial number of the modification in relation to the previous one.
Now the separation of homologations is read as follows:
The first letter "N" indicates that the tires are approved for Porsche cars.
The second letter in the marking indicates which specific Porsche car the tire was homologated for.
Current Porsche homologation table:
- NA# - Porsche 911 Carrera
- NB# - Porsche Boxster/Cayman
- NC# - Porsche Cayenne
- ND# - Porsche Panamera
- NE# - Porsche Macan
- NF# - Porsche Taycan
Pay attention not only to the letter but also to the numerical value. The number is the number of changes in the tire compared to the previous model. Thus, the first homologation always comes with the index "0".
For example, you can take the Porsche 911 Carrera. The first homologation of this tire will be "NA0", and the next one - "NA1".
Working on a tire modification takes a lot of time, and you may find yourself in a situation where the necessary homologation is not available by numerical index. For example, you have "NA0" tires. You had to replace one damaged tire, and only "NA1" or even "NA2" tires are available on the market. In this case, we recommend replacing the entire set of tires with the current homologation.
What will happen if you ignore homologations?
- errors in the car's safety systems: ESP, Traction Control, etc.;
- errors in the car's safety systems: ESP, Traction Control, etc.;
- uneven tire wear, mainly in the central part of the tread;
- discomfort due to vibrations;
- discomfort due to humming.
Mosavtoshina's advice:
1. What to buy: serial or homologated tires? Choose homologated ones. They are designed with all the features of the car in mind, tuned to its character. If there are no homologated tires for your car, don't worry, it means the automaker considered the standard tire a sufficient solution.
2. It's not worth combining homologations from different automakers on one car, even when installing them on different axles.
3. Replace tires in pairs on one axle. If you replace a tire due to damage, the difference in wear between the tires should not exceed 30% (as advised by PORSCHE).