The Effect of Road Surface Texture on Tire Wear

Abstract

Abstract (1) This experimental work has shown that there is a large variation in the degree of tire wear on different surfaces, the wear on the rough, harsh surface being approximately three times as severe as that on the rough polished surface. (2) Measurement of weight loss by the method described provides a sensitive measurement of tire wear. (3) Qualitative analysis has shown that it is the harshness of the surface which is of major importance in tire wear, with surface roughness as a slightly modifying factor. (4) Quantitative analysis of various parameters indicating surface characteristics has shown that the shape of the asperity tips and the low-speed, wet coefficient of friction are major factors. These can be used to predict wear to a high degree of significance within the range of values covered by these measurements, although a large sample of surfaces would be desirable to check this relationship further. (5) A decrease in the severity of wear of six times involving a drop in speed from 50 km/h to 25 km/h has not altered the relative wear ratings of the three surfaces which have been compared and it seems reasonable to assume that the relative wear rates, although not the absolute values, would be the same in normal conditions of use. Consequently, the increased use of rough road surfaces is not expected materially to affect tire wear. (6) Significant increase in tire life from a wear standpoint can be expected from the use of radial ply tires instead of cross ply tires.