ASTM F3676-23

• Abstract:

  SCOPE; 1.1 This specification covers the general requirements for the 225/45R17 94V XL radial standard reference test tire. The tire covered by this specification is primarily for use as a reference tire for abrasion rate evaluations of normal, snow and special use tires as defined by ISO 4223-1, but may also be used for other evaluations. For the general requirements of severe snow use tires as defined by ISO 4223-1, refer to Specification F3675. ; 1.1.1 Other standard reference test tires are also used for these purposes and are referenced in Section 2. ; 1.2 This specification provides a 17 rim diameter code standard tire design and construction, standard dimensions, and specifies the conditions of storage. ; 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered 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.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Nov-2023
• Technical Committee: F09 - Tires
• Drafting Committee: F09.20 - Vehicular Testing

Overview

ASTM F3676-23: Standard Specification for 225/45R17 94V XL Radial Standard Reference Test Tire provides requirements for a specialized radial test tire primarily intended as a reference for evaluating the abrasion rate of various passenger vehicle tire categories, including normal, snow, and special use tires, as classified under ISO 4223-1. This international standard, developed by ASTM International, ensures consistency and reliability in tire performance testing across different laboratories and organizations.

The specification covers critical aspects such as tire construction, dimensions, required material properties, storage conditions, and testing methods. By adhering to these guidelines, test facilities and manufacturers can accurately compare the abrasion resistance and related properties of tested tires using a consistent benchmark.

Key Topics

• Scope and Purpose: Defines the use of the 225/45R17 94V XL tire as a standard reference for abrasion and potentially other performance evaluations.
• Design and Construction: Stipulates requirements for radial steel-belted construction, one-ply sidewall (polyester), four-ply tread (polyester, two steel belts, polyamide), tread pattern, and groove specifications.
• Physical Properties: Outlines the required characteristics for tread compound composition, tensile strength, elongation, and durometer hardness, ensuring minimal variability across test tires.
• Dimensions and Tolerances: Specifies detailed measurements for tread width, overall diameter, groove depth, and tread wear indicators.
• Testing Methods: References standardized tests and practices for assessing rubber properties, strength, and abrasion, including those defined in related ASTM and ISO standards.
• Storage: Details controlled storage conditions to preserve tire integrity, including limits on temperature, humidity, ozone exposure, and appropriate stacking.
• Safety and Certification: Notes user responsibility for safety and compliance, as well as manufacturer certification practices.

Applications

The ASTM F3676-23 standard reference test tire plays a pivotal role in:

• Tire Abrasion Testing: Serving as the baseline tire for evaluating the abrasion rates of normal, snow, and special use tires, ensuring data comparability in laboratory and field environments.
• Regulatory Compliance: Helping manufacturers and testing organizations meet requirements set by various international regulations and industry bodies.
• Quality Assurance: Enabling periodic verification of test equipment and procedures to ensure repeatability and reliability in test results.
• Research and Development: Providing a consistent reference tire in the development of new tire designs, materials, and compounds.
• Comparative Performance Testing: Supporting cross-brand or cross-model studies by using a standardized reference point.
• Accredited Testing Labs: Essential for ISO 17025-accredited labs conducting vehicle, tire, or rubber material testing.

Related Standards

Several standards are frequently referenced alongside ASTM F3676-23 to ensure comprehensive tire testing and evaluation:

• ASTM E1136 - Specification for P195/75R14 Radial Standard Reference Test Tire
• ASTM F2493 - Specification for P225/60R16 97S Radial Standard Reference Test Tire
• ASTM F3675 - Standard Specification for 225/45R17 94H XL Radial Standard Reference Test Tire (for severe snow)
• ISO 4223-1 - Definitions in the Tyre Industry – relevant for tire categories
• ISO 18106 - Methods for measuring snow grip performance
• ASTM D412 & D2240 - Test Methods for Rubber Properties and Durometer Hardness

Adherence to ASTM F3676-23 and these related international standards establishes a robust, harmonized framework for objective tire performance evaluation, supporting innovation and consumer safety in the automotive industry.

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: F3676 − 23
Standard Specification for
225/45R17 94V XL Radial Standard Reference Test Tire
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3676; 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 D2240 Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer Hard-
ness
1.1 This specification covers the general requirements for
D3182 Practice for Rubber—Materials, Equipment, and Pro-
the 225/45R17 94V XL radial standard reference test tire. The
cedures for Mixing Standard Compounds and Preparing
tire covered by this specification is primarily for use as a
Standard Vulcanized Sheets
reference tire for abrasion rate evaluations of normal, snow and
E867 Terminology Relating to Vehicle-Pavement Systems
special use tires as defined by ISO 4223-1, but may also be
E1136 Specification for P195/75R14 Radial Standard Refer-
used for other evaluations. For the general requirements of
ence Test Tire
severe snow use tires as defined by ISO 4223-1, refer to
F538 Terminology Relating to Characteristics and Perfor-
Specification F3675.
mance of Tires
1.1.1 Other standard reference test tires are also used for
F1805 Test Method for Single Wheel Driving Traction in a
these purposes and are referenced in Section 2.
Straight Line on Snow- and Ice-Covered Surfaces
1.2 This specification provides a 17 rim diameter code
F2493 Specification for P225/60R16 97S Radial Standard
standard tire design and construction, standard dimensions, and
Reference Test Tire
specifies the conditions of storage.
F2870 Specification for 315/70R22.5 154/150L Radial
Truck Standard Reference Test Tire
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical F2871 Specification for 245/70R19.5 136/134M Radial
Truck Standard Reference Test Tire
conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for informa-
tion only and are not considered standard. F2872 Specification for 225/75R16C 116/114S M+S Radial
Light Truck Standard Reference Test Tire
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
F3611 Specification for P225/60R16 97S Radial Low Tread
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Depth Standard Reference Test Tire
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
F3675 Specification for 225/45R17 94H XL Radial Standard
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Reference Test Tire
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
F3677 Specification for 315/70R22.5 154/150L Radial
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
Truck Standard Reference Test Tire SW
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
F3678 Specification for 245/70R19.5 136/134M Radial
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Truck Standard Reference Test Tire SW
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
2.2 ISO Standards:
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
ISO 4223-1 Definitions of some terms used in the tyre
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
industry — Part 1: Pneumatic tyres
ISO 18106 Passenger car, commercial vehicle, truck and bus
2. Referenced Documents
2 tyres — Methods for measuring snow grip performance
2.1 ASTM Standards:
— Loaded new tyres
D412 Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplas-
tic Elastomers—Tension
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this specification, refer
to Terminology F538.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F09 on Tires
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F09.20 on Vehicular Testing.
3.2 Definitions:
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2023. Published January 2024. DOI: 10.1520/
F3676-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Central Secretariat, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva,
the ASTM website. Switzerland, https://www.iso.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3676 − 23
3.2.1 abrasion rate, n—tire mass loss per unit of distance
traveled (mg/km) or per unit of distance traveled and carried
load (mg/km/T).
3.2.2 normal tire, n—tire intended for public highway use
which does not require “M+S” (or other variations) or severe
snow or special use tire designations.
3.2.3 pavement characteristic, n—physical feature or prop-
erty of a pavement surface such as type, roughness, texture,
and skid resistance. E867
3.2.4 pitch, n—unit of tread pattern elements used in various
combinations to obtain optimum noise levels. F538
3.2.5 severe snow use tire, n—snow tire whose tread pattern,
tread compound, or structure is specifically designed based on
test results obtained from either ISO 18106 or Test Method
F1805, and which is visually identified by a “3 Peak Mountain
Snow Flake (3PMSF)” symbol molded into the sidewall
adjacent to the M+S type designation.
3.2.6 snow tire, n—tire whose tread pattern, tread compound
FIG. 2 Side View of the 225/45R17 94V XL Radial Standard Refer-
or structure is primarily designed to achieve in winter
ence Test Tire
conditions, for example, snow, a performance better than that
of a normal tire with regard to its ability to initiate or maintain
vehicle motion. It is identified by a combination of the letters
with technology as described in Section 3 and Sections 5 – 7.
“M” and “S”, for example, M+S, M&S.
4.2 The tire shall be designed to conform to the European
3.2.7 special use tire, n—tire intended for mixed use both
Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation (ETRTO) standard nomi-
on-road and off-road or for other special duty and primarily
nal dimensions and tolerances for cross section and overall
designed to initiate and maintain the vehicle in motion in
diameter found in the current ETRTO Standards Manual.
off-road conditions.
4.3 The tire used for this specification is produced by
3.2.8 standard reference test tire, SRTT, n—a tire that is
Manufacture Française des Pneumatiques Michelin. The tire is
commonly used as a control tire or surface monitoring tire and
stamped on the sidewall with the words: “Standard Reference
meets the requirements for one of the following Specifications:
Test Tire” and “Summer SRTT”, and ECE (Economic Com-
E1136, F2493, F2870, F2871, F2872, F3611, F3675, F3676,
mission for Europe) and DOT (Department of Transportation)
F3677, or F3678. F538
certification marks.
4. Design and Construction
5. Materials and Manufacture
4.1 The 225/45R17 94V XL standard reference test tire shall
5.1 The individual standard reference test tires shall con-
feature the steel-belted radial technology, see Figs. 1 and 2,
form to the manufacturer’s design standards.
5.2 Tread compound, fabric processing, and all the steps in
tire manufacturing shall be controlled to ensure minimum
variability between tires.
5.3 The standard reference test tire shall be as originally
molded without any tread grinding or repairs.
5.4 Since the formulation for tread compounds are
proprietary, they shall be controlled by means of their physical
properties given in Table 1.
5.5 Dimensions, weights, and permissible variations are
given in Section 7.
Available from the European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation, Avenue
d’Auderghem 22-28 Box 9 - B 1040 Brussels - Belgium, [e-mail].
The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to
...