Tires having reduced groove depth are required in some tire tests to determine changes in performance as a tire wears in service. This guide describes the preparation of artificially worn tires. This guide is not meant to replace the development of worn tires through over-the-road travel when naturally worn tires are required. Further refinements of these techniques may be made with increased field experience.

The amount of tread rubber to be removed (groove depth reduction) and the final surface texture are selected according to the requirements of a particular testing program.

The type of test program determines the actual tolerance necessary on the final groove depth. For example, snow traction will require very close control of the final groove depth while vehicle handling tests can accommodate a wider tolerance on the final groove depth.

1.1 This guide outlines the preparation of artificially worn tires by tread rubber removal (cutting or grinding, or both) for subsequent performance testing. The purpose is to permit the preparation of test tires with a uniformly reduced tread groove depth and tread geometry that will yield repeatable test results while avoiding the time-consuming and costly over-the-road natural wearing of tires.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.3 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.