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 a radial-ply standard reference test tire. The tire covered by this specification is primarily for use as a reference for tire traction performance evaluations, but may also be used for other evaluations, such as pavement roughness, noise, or other tests that require a reference tire.

1.2 This specification also provides a standard design of certified construction, accurate dimensions, and specifies a means of storage.

1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.