Standard tire characteristic measurements are typically executed on corundum sandpaper which serves as a reliable and durable standard surface. However, the texture properties and thus the resulting tire characteristics differ compared to real-road conditions. fka GmbH has been investigating this topic together with ika RWTH Aachen University on various test rigs and test conditions. This presentation will provide insights into the findings and introduce a new concept to adopt controllable and repeatable laboratory test conditions to real road conditions with respect to surface texture.

• The pros and cons of standard tire characterization methods of today
• Surface texture effects on tire properties
• Options to affect and improve the test methods to adopt the measurements to dedicated surface conditions
• Exemplary test results from the current new surface concept and comparison with the standard sandpaper tests
• Outlook in future activities