Summary of NHTSA Tire Aging Test Development Research

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been developing a laboratory-based accelerated service life test for light vehicle tires (often referred to as a “tire aging test”). It is believed that if such a test method was successful, then light vehicle tires could eventually be required to meet standards that would make them more resistant to operational degradation and possibly reduce their failure rate during service. Phase 1 of the project examined how tires change during service by measuring their roadwheel performance levels and material properties while new, and after varying lengths of service on vehicles operating in Phoenix, Arizona. Phase 2 of the project evaluated various roadwheel and oven-aging methods for simulating tire service aging. Phase 3 of the project evaluated many oven aging test parameters such as temperature, time in oven, inflation gas replenishment, roadwheel break-in, etc. and refined the test conditions. Phase 4 of the project evaluated a diverse cross-section of tires for their performance in the FMVSS No. 139 Endurance and Low Pressure tests while new, and after various levels of severity of oven aging.