This specification covers the general requirements for a radial-ply standard reference test tire for use as a reference for tire traction performance evaluations and for other evaluations, such as pavement roughness, noise, or other tests that require a reference tire. The test tire shall be of the specified size, current technology All Season tread design steel-belted radial. Tread compounding, fabric processing, and all the manufacturing steps shall be controlled for minimum variability between tires. The tire shall be as originally molded without any tread grinding or repairs. The oil-extended styrene-butadiene blend rubber tread shall conform to the prescribed composition for: SBR 1778, SBR 1502, CIS 1 polybutadiene, N351 black, naphthenic oil, zinc oxide, stearic acid, 6 PPD, TMQ, antidegradant wax, tackifying hydrocarbon resin, TBBS, DPG, and sulfur. The tire shall be constructed as one-ply sidewall and a three-ply thread. The tread compound shall conform to the physical property requirements for: tensile sheet cure, stress at elongation, tensile strength, elongation, Durometer hardness, and restored energy (rebound or resilience). The dimensional requirements for (1) inflated dimensions and cured cord angles, (2) ribs, (3) grooves, and (4) wear indicators are specified. The prescribed physical property test methods including tire tread hardness test shall be used. Tire storage requirements and recommendations for tire use and operational requirements are detailed. The front and side views of a radial reference tire, the cross section including inflated tire dimensions, and the tread radius measurement using three point drop method are illustrated.

1.1 This specification covers the general requirements for the P195/75R14 radial standard reference test tire. The tire covered by this specification is primarily for use as a reference tire for braking traction, snow traction, and wear performance evaluations, but may also be used for other evaluations, such as pavement roughness, noise, or other tests that require a reference tire.

1.1.1 Other standard reference test tires are also used for these purposes and are referenced in Section 2.

1.2 This specification provides a rim code diameter of 14, standard tire design and construction, standard dimensions, and specifies the conditions of storage.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.