ASTM Int'l specification presents requirements for standard reference test tire - ASTM F 2493

Measuring the performance of a new standard reference test tire (SRTT) in a variety of situations is the purpose of an ASTM International standard, ASTM F 2493 - Specification for P225/60R16 97S Radial Standard Reference Test Tire.

ASTM F 2493 is a specification for a tire size, P225/60R16, an SRTT that is only being produced by BF Goodrich Tire Manufacturing.

This SRTT is primarily used for braking traction, snow traction and wear performance evaluations, but can also be used for other tests that require a reference tire including pavement roughness and noise evaluations.

The standard, which was developed by Subcommittee F09.20 on Vehicular Testing, is under the jurisdiction of ASTM International Committee F09 on Tires.

According to Stan Lew, manager, Industry Standards and Government Regulations for Michelin North America Inc. and F09.20 member, ASTM F 2493 will co-exist with another ASTM standard, ASTM E 1136 - Specification for a Radial Standard Reference Test Tire. While that standard, which was originally published in 1986, deals with another SRTT, tire size P195/75R14, Lew said that changing times and technology created a need for a P225/60R16 tire specification.

"Today's vehicles have evolved since 1986 and there are a limited number of new vehicles that will feature a 14-inch tire. Therefore, a 16-inch SRTT was needed in order to complement the 14-inch tire," said Lew. "This led to the development of F 2493."

Lew also said that, in addition to the larger size, the P225/60R16 SRTT includes new material and design features, as well as wet and dry braking traction that are typical of currently produced passenger car tires.

Automotive testers and testing organizations, pavement monitors and buildings, government organizations, tire manufacturers and testers and vehicle manufacturers will all benefit both from the introduction of the P225/60R16 SRTT and from the ASTM F 2493 standard, according to Lew. "Tire technology has evolved and Committee F09 will continue to work toward the challenges it presents," said Lew.

Among the recent activities of Committee F09 has been its involvement in responding to the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act, which mandated that the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revise and update the safety performance requirements for tires.