ASTM F762/F762M-08(2020)e1

Standard Test Method for Determining Change in Groove (or Void) Depth With Distance Traveled for Passenger Car Tires

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The test data obtained with this test method may be used to compare the performance of various tires for the conditions under which they were tested.  
5.2 This test method is suitable for a variety of quality assurance, research, and development purposes, when tires are to be compared during a single series of tests. The procedure described may not be suitable for regulatory statutes or specification acceptance because the values obtained may not agree, or correlate either in rank order or absolute tread wear performance level, with values obtained on other road surfaces, or on the same surface after additional wear, under other environmental conditions, on other test vehicles, or with results obtained by other test procedures.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a procedure to be used to obtain data for determining the changes in tire tread depth over any specified course and test period.  
1.2 The tire tread depth loss data obtained according to the procedures for this test method may be used to calculate tire tread wear by way of the procedures described in Practice F1016.  
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2020
• ICS: 83.160.10 - Road vehicle tyres
• Technical Committee: F09 - Tires
• Drafting Committee: F09.30 - Laboratory (Non-Vehicular) Testing

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F762/F762M-08(2014) - Standard Test Method for Determining Change in Groove (or Void) Depth With Distance Traveled for Passenger Car Tires
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM F1016-07(2020) - Standard Practice for Linear Tire Treadwear Data Analysis
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM F457-04(2017) - Standard Test Method for Speed and Distance Calibration of Fifth Wheel Equipped With Either Analog or Digital Instrumentation
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM F421-07(2013)e1 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Groove and Void Depth in Passenger Car Tires
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM F1016-07(2013)e1 - Standard Practice for Linear Tire Treadwear Data Analysis
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM F1502-05(2010) - Standard Test Method for Static Measurements on Tires for Passenger Cars, Light Trucks, and Medium Duty Vehicles
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM F457-04(2010) - Standard Test Method for Speed and Distance Calibration of Fifth Wheel Equipped With Either Analog or Digital Instrumentation
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2010
• Refers: ASTM F538-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to the Characteristics and Performance of Tires
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2009
• Refers: ASTM F421-07 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Groove and Void Depth in Passenger Car Tires
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2007
• Refers: ASTM F1016-07 - Standard Practice for Linear Tire Treadwear Data Analysis
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2007
• Refers: ASTM F1502-05e1 - Standard Test Method for Static Measurements on Tires for Passenger Cars, Light Trucks, and Medium Duty Vehicles
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2005
• Refers: ASTM F1502-05 - Standard Test Method for Static Measurements on Tires for Passenger Cars, Light Trucks, and Medium Duty Vehicles
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2005
• Refers: ASTM F457-04 - Standard Test Method for Speed and Distance Calibration of Fifth Wheel Equipped With Either Analog or Digital Instrumentation
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2004
• Refers: ASTM F538-03 - Standard Terminology Relating to the Characteristics and Performance of Tires
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2003
• Refers: ASTM F421-00 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Groove and Void Depth in Passenger Car Tires
• Effective Date: 10-May-2000

Overview

ASTM F762/F762M-08(2020)e1 is an international standard test method developed by ASTM International for determining the change in groove (or void) depth with distance traveled on passenger car tires. This standard provides a procedural framework to evaluate how tire tread depth decreases over a specified course and test period, supporting comparative analysis under consistent test conditions. By following this test method, manufacturers, testers, and researchers can obtain reliable tire tread depth loss data, which are critical for quality assurance, research, and development applications.

Key Topics

• Test Scope: The method applies to passenger car tires, enabling measurements of groove or void (tread) depth loss as tires are subjected to operational conditions over a predetermined route and intervals.
• Measurement Procedures: Specifies how and when to measure groove (void) depth using standard instrumentation-ensuring repeatable and reliable results.
• Tire Preparation and Sampling:
  • Ensures uniformity in age, storage conditions, and preparation of test tires.
  • Uses duplicate tires per sampling unit for consistency.
• Apparatus and Equipment: Requires vehicles compatible with defined loads, standard rims, accurate speed and distance measuring devices, tire pressure gauges, and groove depth measurement devices.
• Data Collection and Reporting: Details mandatory and suggested reporting data to document the test course, tire specifics, environmental and operational conditions, and groove depth measurements.
• Precision and Limitations: Addresses sources of variability and ensures each system of measurement (SI or inch-pound) is used independently for compliance.

Applications

• Quality Assurance: Tire manufacturers use ASTM F762/F762M to evaluate the wear performance of different tire designs, compounds, or manufacturing runs, ensuring products meet expected durability standards before market release.
• Product Comparison: Researchers and engineers use the standard to perform comparative wear testing, selecting optimal tires for specific conditions or applications.
• Development Testing: The test method supports the development of new tire technologies by enabling controlled assessment of tread wear characteristics under real-world or simulated driving conditions.
• Data Analysis: The measured tread depth loss data generated by this standard can be analyzed as per ASTM Practice F1016, enabling quantitative assessments of tire wear rates.
• Safety Monitoring: Although not intended for regulatory compliance, the method provides important insights for fleet operators and safety evaluators on the expected longevity and performance retention of tire products.

Related Standards

• ASTM F421 - Test Method for Measuring Groove and Void Depth in Passenger Car Tires
• ASTM F457 - Test Method for Speed and Distance Calibration of Fifth Wheel Equipped With Either Analog or Digital Instrumentation
• ASTM F1016 - Practice for Linear Tire Treadwear Data Analysis
• ASTM F538 - Terminology Relating to the Characteristics and Performance of Tires
• ASTM F1502 - Test Method for Static Measurements on Tires for Passenger Cars, Light Trucks, and Medium Duty Vehicles

Practical Value

Implementing ASTM F762/F762M-08(2020)e1 enables consistent, objective assessment of tire tread wear, supporting improved passenger safety, better product development, and enhanced quality control. The standard’s detailed procedures for tire installation, measurement, and data reporting help ensure that test results are reliable and meaningful, facilitating sound decision-making in tire selection and design processes. By referencing related ASTM standards, users can ensure their test setups are robust and their results both accurate and comparable within the broader context of tire performance evaluation.

Keywords: tire tread depth, groove depth measurement, treadwear, tire test method, ASTM F762, passenger car tires, quality assurance, tire performance, tire wear analysis.

Standards Content (Sample)

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.
´1
Designation: F762/F762M − 08 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Test Method for
Determining Change in Groove (or Void) Depth With
Distance Traveled for Passenger Car Tires
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F762/F762M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
ε NOTE—Corrected 9.3 and 11.2 editorially in May 2020.
1. Scope F457Test Method for Speed and Distance Calibration of
Fifth Wheel Equipped With Either Analog or Digital
1.1 Thistestmethodcoversaproceduretobeusedtoobtain
Instrumentation
data for determining the changes in tire tread depth over any
F538Terminology Relating to the Characteristics and Per-
specified course and test period.
formance of Tires
1.2 The tire tread depth loss data obtained according to the
F1016Practice for Linear Tire Treadwear Data Analysis
procedures for this test method may be used to calculate tire
F1502Test Method for Static Measurements on Tires for
tread wear by way of the procedures described in Practice
Passenger Cars, LightTrucks, and Medium DutyVehicles
F1016.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units 3. Terminology
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
3.1 Definitions:
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
3.1.1 break-in, n—one or more periods of initial standard-
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
ized tire operation during which tire is brought to the state
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
which will lead to more consistent test results. F538
with the standard.
3.1.2 element, n—an isolated (totally bounded by void)
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
projection. F538
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.3 groove, n—a void that is relatively narrow compared
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
to its length. F538
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.1.4 groove (void) average depth, n—the average depth of
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- all groove depth measurements in a single groove. F538
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.5 groove (void) depth, [L], n—a measurement of the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
perpendiculardistancefromarealorcalculatedreferenceplane
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
definedbyedgesoftwoadjacentribsorelementstothelowest
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
point of contact in the groove (void). F538
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.6 irregular wear, n—a type of treadwear characterized
by substantial variations of tread loss both from projection to
2. Referenced Documents
projection and frequently from point to point on a given
2.1 ASTM Standards:
projection. F538
F421Test Method for Measuring Groove andVoid Depth in
3.1.7 measurement interval, n—the distance travelled, in
Passenger Car Tires
kilometres [miles], between two successive groove (void)
depth measurements. F538
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F09 on Tires
3.1.7.1 Discussion—A specified number of test cycles will
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F09.30 on Laboratory (Non-
constitute a measurement interval. If a tire rotation plan is
Vehicular) Testing.
specified, the measurement interval shall include equal dis-
Current edition approved May 1, 2020. Published June 2020. Originally
tance on each specified wheel position for each tire test
approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as F762/F762M–08
(2014). DOI: 10.1520/F0762_F0762M-08R20E01.
specimen. More frequent measurements may be made if
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
desired. The number of measurement intervals should be
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
compatiblewiththetirerotationplantoresultinalogicalbasis
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. for data interpretation.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
´1
F762/F762M − 08 (2020)
3.1.8 projection, n—apavementcontactingareaofthetread 7. Apparatus
band, bounded by void. F538
7.1 Test Vehicle—Anyvehiclecompatiblewithtestloadand
3.1.9 rib, n—a continuous circumferential projection. F538
tire dimensions.
3.1.10 rotation plan, n— in tire testing, the scheduled
7.2 Rims,ofdesignrimwidth+0.5,−0.0in.forthetesttire
change of wheel positions for all tires on a vehicle, and as recommended by theTire and RimAssociation (T&RA) or
betweenvehiclesinaconvoy,andscheduledchangeofvehicle
other standard tire and rim organizing bodies.
position in a convoy during a road test as appropriate. F538
7.3 Speed Recording Equipment, to record speed history as
3.1.10.1 Discussion—Testtiresshouldoccupyeachposition
a function of time, accurate to 62%.
on the vehicle for the same number of cycles. A tire rotation
7.4 Distance Recording Equipment, to accumulate the total
plan may be designed for each test in accordance with the
test distance, accurate to 62%.
requirement of the test program.
7.5 Vehicle Weighing Device.
3.1.11 test cycle, n—in tire testing, one complete circuit of
the specified test course. F538 7.6 Vehicle Wheel Alignment Equipment (front wheel and,
where applicable, rear wheel).
3.1.12 tread depth average, n— in a single tire, the average
7.7 Tire Pressure Gage.
of all tire groove (void) depth measurements.
7.8 Groove (or Void) Measurement Device (Depth Gage)
3.1.13 void, n—a volume (in the tread band) defined by the
meeting the specifications of the American Gage Design
lack of rubber; the depth dimension of the volume may vary
Committee and Test Method F421.
from point to point in (on) the tread band. F538
7.9 Tread Hardness Gage.
4. Summary of Test Method
8. Test Course
4.1 The tire test procedure is carried out by repeatedly
8.1 Thetestcourseisanynetworkofpublicorprivateroads,
driving one or more test vehicles over a specified test course.
orboth.Aspeedscheduleshallbedefinedaswellasreasonable
All tires on each test vehicle are of the same tire size
number of defined and scheduled stops and starts.
designation: duplicate tires are mounted on each axle. A
break-in period prior to the measurement program is optional.
9. Safety Precautions
The tires may be rotated among wheel positions after comple-
9.1 All normal traffic safety precautions must be observed
tion of a specified number of runs over the test course. Drivers
and appropriate vehicle spacing maintained. Posted and proce-
maintain the same position in the convoy; the vehicle’s
duralspeedlimitsmustbeobserved.Vehiclespacingshouldbe
position in the convoy is rotated uniformly.
at least one car length for each 15 km/h [10 mph] speed plus
4.2 The test consists of a predetermined number of road
three car lengths.
testing cycles. Groove (void) depth measurements are made
9.2 All safety related mechanical and electrical systems of
after completion of a specified number of test cycles.
the vehicle must be in good operating condition for the test.
4.3 The wear rate may by calculated in a number of ways
9.3 Refer to USTMA “Demounting and Mounting Proce-
(see Practice F1016).
dures for Passenger and Light Truck Tires” for additional
safety warnings.
5. Significance and Use
10. Sampling
5.1 Thetestdataobtainedwiththistestmethodmaybeused
10.1 A sample is set of n sampling units obtained from the
to compare the performance of various tires for the conditions
populationbeingsampled.Forexample,thepopulationmaybe
under which they were tested.
aportionofadealer’sstockorasinglelotfromamanufacturer.
5.2 This test method is suitable for a variety of quality
10.2 A sampling unit is a minimum of two duplicate tires.
assurance, research, and development purposes, when tires are
10.3 The test specimen is a single tire of a sampling unit.
to be compared during a single series of tests. The procedure
described may not be suitable for regulatory statutes or
11. Selection
...