ASTM F2838-17

Standard Practice for Accelerated Laboratory Aging of Radial Passenger Car and Light Truck Tires through Load Range E for the Laboratory Generation of Belt Separation

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This standard practice establishes a method for conducting accelerated laboratory aging of radial passenger or light truck tires, or both, in an oven.  
5.2 The goal of this practice is to define a scientifically valid protocol for the accelerated laboratory aging of a tire such that certain of its material properties correlate to those of in-service tires (see Appendix X1). This practice does not establish performance limits or tolerances for tire specifications.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes a method to laboratory age a new tire in an oven to produce changes in certain chemical and physical properties at the belt edges similar to those of tires in-service (see Appendix X1).  
1.2 This practice is a precursor to conducting an ASTM standard roadwheel test method for laboratory generation of belt separation in radial passenger car and light truck tires.  
1.3 This practice may not produce representative chemical and physical property changes in any part of the tire except the belt edge.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.5 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. For specific precautionary statements, see Section 8.  
1.6 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-Sep-2017
• ICS: 83.160.10 - Road vehicle tyres
• Technical Committee: F09 - Tires
• Drafting Committee: F09.30 - Laboratory (Non-Vehicular) Testing

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F2838-10 - Standard Practice for Accelerated Laboratory Aging of Radial Passenger Car and Light Truck Tires through Load Range E for the Laboratory Generation of Belt Separation
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM F538-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to the Characteristics and Performance of Tires
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2009
• Refers: ASTM G128-02(2008) - Standard Guide for Control of Hazards and Risks in Oxygen Enriched Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2008
• Refers: ASTM F538-03 - Standard Terminology Relating to the Characteristics and Performance of Tires
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2003
• Refers: ASTM G128-02e1 - Standard Guide for Control of Hazards and Risks in Oxygen Enriched Systems
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-2002
• Refers: ASTM F538-99 - Standard Terminology Relating to the Characteristics and Performance of Tires
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-1999
• Referred By: ASTM F3015-21 - Standard Test Method for Accelerated Laboratory Roadwheel Generation of Belt Separation in Radial Passenger Car and Light Truck Tires through Load Range E
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017

Overview

ASTM F2838-17 outlines the standard practice for the accelerated laboratory aging of radial passenger car and light truck tires (through Load Range E) using an oven. This practice is designed to simulate the changes in material properties-particularly at the belt edges-that tires experience during actual service. The primary objective is to provide a scientifically valid and repeatable procedure to reproduce belt separation conditions typically observed in aged, in-service tires.

The method described in ASTM F2838-17 is not intended to define specific performance criteria or tolerances for tire specifications. Instead, it serves as a preparatory step for subsequent tests, such as the ASTM roadwheel test method, which evaluate belt separation and overall tire durability.

Key Topics

• Accelerated Laboratory Aging: Defines procedures for oven aging new tires to induce chemical and physical changes similar to those found in tires that have been in use.
• Oven Configuration and Controls: Specifies requirements for oven design, temperature calibration, and monitoring to ensure a controlled aging environment.
• Inflation and Gas Mixture: Details the use of a certified oxygen/nitrogen gas mixture for tire inflation during the aging process.
• Sampling and Preparation: Describes the requirements for selecting, mounting, and preparing tires before aging, emphasizing the need for defect-free, properly stored tires within specific age parameters.
• Safety Considerations: Addresses potential hazards such as high-pressure tire failures, the use of oxygen-enriched gases, storage of gas cylinders, and the need for proper personal protective equipment.
• Reporting: Highlights the importance of documenting conditions, process details, tire identification, wheel specifications, and all testing data for traceability.

Applications

ASTM F2838-17 is primarily used by tire manufacturers, automotive safety researchers, and regulatory bodies to:

• Simulate In-Service Aging: The protocol allows for a scientific approach to accelerate tire aging, facilitating the study of aging effects on durability and belt separation under controlled laboratory conditions.
• Support Durability Testing: Aged tires produced using this method are essential specimens for subsequent roadwheel tests, which measure resistance to belt separation-a key factor in tire safety and lifespan.
• Standardize Tire Evaluation: Provides a consistent methodology for preparing tires for aging-related durability assessments, supporting research, development, and validation of new tire designs.
• Regulatory Compliance: Assists in meeting safety requirements driven by regulations such as those introduced under the TREAD Act and guidelines from organizations like NHTSA.

Related Standards

The following standards and resources are commonly referenced in conjunction with ASTM F2838-17:

• ASTM F538: Terminology Relating to the Characteristics and Performance of Tires
• ANSI/ISO/IEC 17025: General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories
• ASTM SI10: Use of the International System of Units (SI)
• Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Standard V-1: Valve Connections for Compressed Gases
• RMA/U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association: Tire Service Manual and Demounting and Mounting Procedures
• Tire and Rim Association (TRA), ETRTO, JATMA, ISO 4000: Rim and tire standards for various international markets

For industry professionals seeking to replicate in-service tire aging or validate new tire designs, following ASTM F2838-17 ensures high standards of safety, consistency, and scientific rigor in laboratory aging protocols.

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.
Designation: F2838 − 17
Standard Practice for
Accelerated Laboratory Aging of Radial Passenger Car and
Light Truck Tires through Load Range E for the Laboratory
Generation of Belt Separation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2838; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope StandardforUseoftheInternationalSystemofUnits(SI):
The Modern Metric System
1.1 Thispracticedescribesamethodtolaboratoryageanew
F538 Terminology Relating to the Characteristics and Per-
tire in an oven to produce changes in certain chemical and
formance of Tires
physical properties at the belt edges similar to those of tires
G128 Guide for Control of Hazards and Risks in Oxygen
in-service (see Appendix X1).
Enriched Systems
1.2 This practice is a precursor to conducting an ASTM
2.2 Other Standards:
standard roadwheel test method for laboratory generation of
ANSI/ISO/IEC 17025 General requirements for the compe-
belt separation in radial passenger car and light truck tires. 3
tence of testing and calibration laboratories
Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Standard for Valve
1.3 This practice may not produce representative chemical
and physical property changes in any part of the tire except the Connections V-1
EIGA IGA 04/09/E Fire Hazards of Oxygen and Oxygen
belt edge.
Enriched Atmospheres
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association Demounting and
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
Mounting Procedures for Passenger and LightTruckTires
only.
Wall Chart
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Tire and Rim Association (TRA) Year Book
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation (ETRTO)
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Standards Manual
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Japan Automobile Tyre Manufacturers Association Inc.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
(JATMA) Year Book
For specific precautionary statements, see Section 8. 7
ISO 4000 Passenger Car Tyres and Rims
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3. Terminology
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1 Definitions:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.1 age, v—toapplyconditionssoastopromotechangeof
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
material properties.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—For a tire, this can be done on a
roadwheel, in a laboratory oven, in service, etc.
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.2 aging, accelerated laboratory (also: aging, labora-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
tory) , n—increasedrateoftirematerialpropertychangesunder
ASTM SI10 - 02 IEEE/ASTM SI 10 American National
Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F09 on Tires and is 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F09.30 on Laboratory (Non-Vehicular) Available from Compressed Gas Association (CGA), 4221 Walney Rd., 5th
Testing. Floor, Chantilly, VA 20151-2923, http://www.cganet.com.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2017. Published October 2017. Originally Available from U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, 1400 K St., NW, Suite
approved in 2010. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as F2838 – 10. DOI: 900, Washington, DC 20005, http://www.rma.org.
10.1520/F2838-17. AvailablefromTireandRimAssociation,Inc.(TRA),175MontroseWestAve.,
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Suite 150, Copley, OH 44313, http://www.us-tra.org.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on la Voie-Creuse, Case postale 56, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://
the ASTM website. www.iso.ch.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2838 − 17
specified conditions, including temperature, inflation pressure, 6. Apparatus
oxygen concentration in the filling gas, and time.
6.1 Use of an oven is specified in this section, defining the
3.1.3 aging, in-service, n—materialpropertychangeswithin
requirements such that tires may be exposed to a controlled
tires due to consumer usage. temperature. Provisions for monitoring other environmental
3.1.3.1 Discussion—See Appendix X1 for more details. conditions (for example, humidity) are also recommended.
6.1.1 Oven configuration shall be such that tires may be
3.1.4 aging, oven, n—accelerated laboratory aging in an
positioned without contacting other tires or oven walls, ceiling
elevated temperature environment.
or floor.
3.1.5 aging, thermal oxidative, n—the process whereby
6.1.2 Autonomous oven temperature monitoring devices
chemical and physical material properties of a tire change with
shall be located within the oven such that the thermal history
exposure to heat and oxygen.
for each tire can be characterized.
3.1.6 belt, in a tire, n—a breaker that substantially restricts
6.1.3 Oven temperature control mechanisms (including the
the carcass in a circumferential direction. F538 thermostat) shall be calibrated within 61°C per the latest
requirements of ANSI/ISO/IEC 17025.
3.1.7 belt separation, n—a breakdown of bonding between
6.1.4 Ovens large enough for tires may have a temperature
the belts or plies or tread, or combination thereof. F538
gradientwithinthem.Athermalmapshallbedevelopedforthe
3.1.8 cold inflation pressure, n—thegaugepressureofatire,
oven intended to be used for the laboratory aging of tires, to
measured after equilibration at ambient temperature.
identify positions or regions which are too hot or cold to be
3.1.9 inflation gas, n—the specific filling medium used to
usable, or to identify the need to reduce the thermal gradient.
pressurize the tire cavity and maintain a specified gauge
See 11.4 for temperature tolerances.
pressure (for example, oxygen/nitrogen gas mixture, air).
6.1.4.1 At steady-state conditions, the temperature gradient
within the usable oven space shall be stable.Astable tempera-
3.1.10 hot inflation pressure, n—the gauge pressure of a tire
ture gradient can be achieved by, amongst other things, having
after equilibration in an oven, measured between 60 and 80
proper thermal insulation in the oven, appropriate circulation,
min after removal from oven.
and having the door(s) adequately sealed.
3.1.11 measured inflation pressure, n—gauge pressure of a
tire measured at a given time under ambient temperature and
7. Reagents and Materials
barometric pressure source. F538
7.1 An oxygen/nitrogen gas mixture of (50.0 % O / 50.0 %
3.1.12 oven, n—a chamber designed for heating tires in a
N with a 62 % analytical uncertainty) shall be used with a
controlled manner.
maximum moisture content of 200 ppm.
3.1.13 tire, n—a load-bearing ground-contacting circumfer-
ential attachment to a vehicle wheel. F538
8. Hazards
3.1.14 tire, oven-aged, n—a tire that has been subjected to
8.1 Hazards During Tire Oven Aging—The possibility of a
accelerated laboratory aging in an elevated temperature envi-
catastrophic loss of air pressure from the tire shall be antici-
ronment (see 3.1.2).
pated throughout the procedure. (Warning—Such a pressure
loss may be accompanied by fragments having a high energy
4. Summary of Practice
level being thrown from the tire as well as a pressure wave
radiating from the tire. Adequate safeguards for fire and
4.1 This standard practice requires the use of an oven (as
personalprotectionaswellasover-pressureventilationshallbe
specified in 6.1) to conduct accelerated laboratory aging of a
provided at all times.)
tire. This requires a defined inflation pressure, inflation gas,
oven temperature, and time period.
8.2 Hazards During Tire Oxygen/Nitrogen Gas Mixture
Filling and Replenishment:
4.2 This standard practice was developed to be used to
8.2.1 Regulators and Fittings—Oxygen rated hoses and
prepare tires for conducting anASTM standard test method for
fittings shall be used. The fittings and regulators shall conform
laboratory generation of belt separation in radial passenger car
to the Compressed GasAssociation Standard V-1 requirements
and light truck tires. Use of this practice for other applications
for compressed gases with enriched oxygen concentrations, for
would require validation.
example CGA-296. The hose shall have a working pressure
above the tire inflation pressure specified in this standard. The
5. Significance and Use
hose shall be kept clean and undamaged and should be
5.1 This standard practice establishes a method for conduct-
compatible with the specified oxygen concentration.
ing accelerated laboratory aging of radial passenger or light
8.2.2 Storage of Gas Cylinders—Gas cylinders shall be
truck tires, or both, in an oven.
stored per OSHA guidelines.
5.2 Thegoalofthispracticeistodefineascientificallyvalid 8.2.3 Filling and Venting of Tires—Venting and filling tires
protocol for the accelerated laboratory aging of a tire such that shall be done in a well ventilated area, away from any ignition
certain of its material properties correlate to those of in-service sources. Persons who have been exposed to oxygen enriched
tires (see Appendix X1). This practice does not establish atmosphere should avoid ignition sources until well ventilated,
performance limits or tolerances for tire specifications. at least 15 min, per EIGA IGA 04/09/E recommendation.
F2838 − 17
8.2.4 Static Electrical Isolation of Tire/Wheel Assemblies— 11.1.4 A commercial bead-rim lubricant shall be applied to
The tire/wheel assembly shall be electrically grounded during the tire bead areas and rim before mounting. Vegetable oil or
fill/vent to prevent any static discharge. soap-based lubricants are recommended.
11.1.5 Mount the tire on the wheel using air according to
9. Sampling and Specimens
U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association Demounting and Mount-
9.1 All of the tires in a sample lot shall have the desired
ingProceduresforPassengerandLightTruckTiresWallChart.
production plant and date codes and similar storage and
11.1.6 Inflate the tire/wheel assembly to the desired starting
temperature history exposure. Tires must be free of molding or
pressure with air as specified in Table 1. The test tire, after
other defects.
being mounted on a test rim and inflated to the applicable test
pressure, shall remain at the ambient temperature of the test
9.2 New tires (not previously used or inflated) shall be used
room for at least 24 h prior to testing.
in this standard practice and shall be selected so that they are
11.1.7 Testing for leaks is suggested. Leak checks can be
no less than 2 weeks and no greater than 39 weeks from time
conducted by either submersion in a water tank for at least 30
of manufacture.
min or by carefully checking both beads and fittings for leaks
9.3 Test tires shall be mounted on wheels for testing, of the
with leak detection fluid. If a light alloy wheel is used, the
measuring rim width, if available. The same wheel should be
entire wheel assembly must be checked for leaks.
used for both oven aging and roadwheel testing without
11.1.8 Using the oxygen/nitrogen gas mixture, inflate the
dismounting, to prevent any damage incurred through removal
tires as follows:
of the tire from the wheel. If the appropriate rim size is not
11.1.8.1 Vent air-filled tire to atmospheric pressure,
available, the operator shall use an alternate size per current
11.1.8.2 Inflate to the cold inflation pressure (measured at
published standards. Refer to the current published standards
23 65°Claboratoryambienttemperature)specifiedinTable1,
of TRA, ETRTO, JATMA, or ISO 4000 for lists of standard-
11.1.8.3 Vent back to atmospheric pressure,
ized wheel widths for applicable tire dimensions.
11.1.8.4 Inflate to the specified cold inflation pressure,
9.4 Record the manufacturer’s identification, brand name, 11.1.8.5 Vent back to atmospheric pressure, and
tire identification number, size, load range, specified cold 11.1.8.6 Inflate to the specified cold inflation pressure.
inflation pressure, and type of tire. 11.1.9 After confirming that the tire/wheel assembly is free
from leaks and filled with the gas mixt
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F2838 − 10 F2838 − 17
Standard Practice for
Accelerated Laboratory Aging of Radial Passenger Car and
Light Truck Tires through Load Range E for the Laboratory
Generation of Belt Separation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2838; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice describes a method to laboratory age a new tire in an oven to produce changes in certain chemical and physical
properties at the belt edges similar to those of tires in-service (see Appendix X1).
1.2 This practice is a precursor to conducting an ASTM standard roadwheel test method for laboratory generation of belt
separation in radial passenger car and light truck tires.
1.3 This practice may not produce representative chemical and physical property changes in any part of the tire except the belt
edge.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific precautionary statements, see Section 8.
1.6 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
ASTM SI10 - 02 IEEE/ASTM SI 10 American National Standard for Use of the International System of Units (SI): The Modern
Metric System
F538 Terminology Relating to the Characteristics and Performance of Tires
G128 Guide for Control of Hazards and Risks in Oxygen Enriched Systems
2.2 Other Standards:
ANSI/ISO/IEC 17025 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Standard for Valve Connections V-1
EIGA IGA 04/09/E Fire Hazards of Oxygen and Oxygen Enriched Atmospheres
RMA Volume 4 Tire Service ManualU.S. Tire Manufacturers Association Demounting and Mounting Procedures for Passenger
and Light Truck Tires Wall Chart
Tire and Rim Association (T&RA)(TRA) Year Book
European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation (ETRTO) Standards Manual
Japan Automobile Tyre Manufacturers Association Inc. (JATMA) Year Book
ISO 4000 Passenger Car Tyres and Rims
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F09 on Tires and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F09.30 on Laboratory (Non-Vehicular) Testing.
Current edition approved May 1, 2010Oct. 1, 2017. Published June 2010October 2017. Originally approved in 2010. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as F2838 – 10.
DOI: 10.1520/F2838-10.10.1520/F2838-17.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Available from Compressed Gas Association (CGA), 4221 Walney Rd., 5th Floor, Chantilly, VA 20151-2923, http://www.cganet.com.
Available from Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, 1400 K St., NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20005, http://www.rma.org.
Available from Tire and Rim Association, Inc. (TRA), 175 Montrose West Ave., Suite 150, Copley, OH 44313, http://www.us-tra.org.
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de la Voie-Creuse, Case postale 56, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iso.ch.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2838 − 17
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 age, v—to apply conditions so as to promote change of material properties.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—
For a tire, this can be done on a roadwheel, in a laboratory oven, in service, etc.
3.1.2 aging, accelerated laboratory (also: aging, laboratory) , n—increased rate of tire material property changes under
specified conditions, including temperature, inflation pressure, oxygen concentration in the filling gas, and time.
3.1.3 aging, in-service, n—material property changes within tires due to consumer usage.
3.1.3.1 Discussion—
See Appendix X1 for more details.
3.1.4 aging, oven, n—accelerated laboratory aging in an elevated temperature environment.
3.1.5 aging, thermal oxidative, n—the process whereby chemical and physical material properties of a tire change with exposure
to heat and oxygen.
3.1.6 belt, in a tire, n—a breaker that substantially restricts the carcass in a circumferential direction. F538
3.1.7 belt separation, n—a breakdown of bonding between the belts or plies or tread, or combination thereof. F538
3.1.8 cold inflation pressure, n—the gauge pressure of a tire, measured after equilibration at ambient temperature.
3.1.9 inflation gas, n—the specific filling medium used to pressurize the tire cavity and maintain a specified gauge pressure (for
example, oxygen/nitrogen gas mixture, air).
3.1.10 hot inflation pressure, n—the gauge pressure of a tire after equilibration in an oven, measured between 60 and 80 min
after removal from oven.
3.1.11 measured inflation pressure, n—gauge pressure of a tire measured at a given time under ambient temperature and
barometric pressure source. F538
3.1.12 oven, n—a chamber designed for heating tires in a controlled manner.
3.1.13 tire, n—a load-bearing ground-contacting circumferential attachment to a vehicle wheel. F538
3.1.14 tire, oven-aged, n—a tire that has been subjected to accelerated laboratory aging in an elevated temperature environment
(see 3.1.2).
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 This standard practice requires the use of an oven (as specified in 6.1) to conduct accelerated laboratory aging of a tire. This
requires a defined inflation pressure, inflation gas, oven temperature, and time period.
4.2 This standard practice was developed to be used to prepare tires for conducting an ASTM standard test method for
laboratory generation of belt separation in radial passenger car and light truck tires. Use of this practice for other applications
would require validation.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This standard practice establishes a method for conducting accelerated laboratory aging of radial passenger or light truck
tires, or both, in an oven.
5.2 The goal of this practice is to define a scientifically valid protocol for the accelerated laboratory aging of a tire such that
certain of its material properties correlate to those of in-service tires (see Appendix X1). This practice does not establish
performance limits or tolerances for tire specifications.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Use of an oven is specified in this section, defining the requirements such that tires may be exposed to a controlled
temperature. Provisions for monitoring other environmental conditions (for example, humidity) are also recommended.
6.1.1 Oven configuration shall be such that tires may be positioned without contacting other tires or oven walls, ceiling or floor.
6.1.2 Autonomous oven temperature monitoring devices shall be located within the oven such that the thermal history for each
tire can be characterized.
6.1.3 Oven temperature control mechanisms (including the thermostat) shall be calibrated within 61°C per the latest
requirements of ANSI/ISO/IEC 17025.
F2838 − 17
6.1.4 Ovens large enough for tires may have a temperature gradient within them. A thermal map shall be developed for the oven
intended to be used for the laboratory aging of tires, to identify positions or regions which are too hot or cold to be usable, or to
identify the need to reduce the thermal gradient. See 11.4 for temperature tolerances.
6.1.4.1 At steady-state conditions, the temperature gradient within the usable oven space shall be stable. A stable temperature
gradient can be achieved by, amongst other things, having proper thermal insulation in the oven, appropriate circulation, and
having the door(s) adequately sealed.
7. Reagents and Materials
7.1 An oxygen/nitrogen gas mixture of (50.0 % O / 50.0 % N with a 62 % analytical uncertainty) shall be used with a
2 2
maximum moisture content of 200 ppm.
8. Hazards
8.1 Hazards During Tire Oven Aging—The possibility of a catastrophic loss of air pressure from the tire shall be anticipated
throughout the procedure. (Warning—Such a pressure loss may be accompanied by fragments having a high energy level being
thrown from the tire as well as a pressure wave radiating from the tire. Adequate safeguards for fire and personal protection as well
as over-pressure ventilation shall be provided at all times.)
8.2 Hazards During Tire Oxygen/Nitrogen Gas Mixture Filling and Replenishment:
8.2.1 Regulators and Fittings—Oxygen rated hoses and fittings shall be used. The fittings and regulators shall conform to the
Compressed Gas Association Standard V-1 requirements for compressed gases with enriched oxygen concentrations, for example
CGA-296. The hose shall have a working pressure above the tire inflation pressure specified in this standard. The hose shall be
kept clean and undamaged and should be compatible with the specified oxygen concentration.
8.2.2 Storage of Gas Cylinders—Gas cylinders shall be stored per OSHA guidelines.
8.2.3 Filling and Venting of Tires—Venting and filling tires shall be done in a well ventilated area, away from any ignition
sources. Persons who have been exposed to oxygen enriched atmosphere should avoid ignition sources until well ventilated, at least
15 min, per EIGA IGA 04/09/E recommendation.
8.2.4 Static Electrical Isolation of Tire/Wheel Assemblies—The tire/wheel assembly shall be electrically grounded during
fill/vent to prevent any static discharge.
9. Sampling and Specimens
9.1 All of the tires in a sample lot shall have the desired production plant and date codes and similar storage and temperature
history exposure. Tires must be free of molding or other defects.
9.2 New tires (not previously used or inflated) shall be used in this standard practice and shall be selected so that they are no
less than 2 weeks and no greater than 39 weeks from time of manufacture.
9.3 Test tires shall be mounted on wheels for testing, of the measuring rim width, if available. The same wheel should be used
for both oven aging and roadwheel testing without dismounting, to prevent any damage incurred through removal of the tire from
the wheel. If the appropriate rim size is not available, the operator shall use an alternate size per current published standards. Refer
to the current published standards of T&RA,TRA, ETRTO, JATMA, or ISO 4000 for lists of standardized wheel widths for
applicable tire dimensions.
9.4 Record the manufacturer’s identification, brand name, tire identification number, size, load range, specified cold inflation
pressure, and type of tire.
10. Preparation of Apparatus
10.1 Preparation for Tire Oven Aging—The target oven space temperature shall be 60 6 1°C.
11. Procedure
11.1 Tire Mounting and Tire Inflation Preparation Prior to Tire Oven Aging:
11.1.1 Test tires are to be mounted on wheels of the proper rim bead seat diameter with clean, smooth surfaces in the bead seat
areas, particularly in the vicinity of the weld. Wheel rim flanges must be free of sharp edges or scuffs that could damage the tire
during mounting. Bead seat diameters must be verified using a certified disc tape (a.k.a. ball tape) and be acceptable according to
an applicable standard such as the T&RATRA Yearbook. Painted steel is the material of choice for the test wheels due to the low
permeation rates. If another wheel material must be used, then precautions are to be taken to insure against fill gas permeation
through the wheel material. For the example of non-ferrous wheels, the tester shall paint the wheel between the bead seats to reduce
the fill gas permeation rate from the wheel, or the manufacturer must certify them to be leak free via helium inspection. Tires
should be mounted on the wheels that will be used for roadwheel testing to avoid damaging the tire bead area.
11.1.2 Any tires mounted on light alloy wheels should be noted in the Observation/Comments fields of the appropriate data log.
11.1.3 Metal valve stems should be used on any tires
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