TIRE TESTS
Tire testing is a set of laboratory and vehicle tests used to evaluate the strength, durability, safety, performance, and service life of tires.
These tests are performed on passenger-car tires, truck tires, motorcycle tires, and specialty tires according to applicable standards such as FMVSS, ASTM, ISO, SAE, and UNECE regulations.
The exact test method depends on the tire type, intended use, and the property being evaluated.
MAIN TYPES OF TIRE TESTS
1- Endurance and durability test
Evaluates whether a tire can withstand prolonged running under specified load, speed, and inflation pressure.
- Equipment: rotating drum tire test machine.
- Measures: operating stability, damage, and durability.
- Common reference: FMVSS No. 139 for applicable new pneumatic radial tires.
2- Plunger energy / tire strength test
A steel plunger is forced into the tire tread to evaluate resistance to penetration and the energy required to cause specified failure.
- Equipment: compression or universal testing machine with a plunger fixture.
- Measures: force, penetration, and energy.
- Common reference: FMVSS No. 139, where applicable.
3- High-speed performance test
Evaluates tire performance at specified high rotational speeds under controlled loading and inflation conditions.
- Equipment: high-speed drum test machine.
- Measures: speed capability, temperature behavior, and structural integrity.
4- Bead unseating test
Evaluates the force required to push the tire bead away from its seating position on the wheel rim.
- Equipment: wheel-rim fixture and loading platen.
- Measures: bead-unseating force.
- Purpose: evaluates bead retention performance under the prescribed test conditions.
5- Rolling resistance test
Measures the energy lost as a tire rolls under specified conditions.
- Equipment: precision rolling-resistance drum machine.
- Measures: rolling resistance force or coefficient.
- Relevant references: ISO 28580 and applicable UNECE regulations.
6- Wet grip and braking test
Evaluates tire-road friction and braking performance on wet surfaces.
- Equipment: test vehicle, instrumented wheel, or suitable specialized rig.
- Measures: braking distance, friction, or related performance metrics.
Other important tire tests
|
Test |
Main purpose |
| Static and dynamic stiffness | Measures tire deformation under load |
| Burst / pressure resistance | Evaluates resistance to internal pressure and structural failure |
| Bead tensile strength | Evaluates the strength of the bead assembly |
| Tread and sidewall adhesion | Measures bonding strength between rubber and tire components |
| Fatigue testing | Evaluates resistance to repeated loading |
| Uniformity and balance | Measures radial/lateral force variation and mass imbalance |
| Noise testing | Evaluates tire noise under specified conditions |
| Wear testing | Measures tread wear under defined operating conditions |
*** Not all of these are covered by one standard. Some require dedicated laboratory procedures, and others use vehicle-based or specialized equipment.
