ABSTRACT
Advances in tire technology are expected to continue on many fronts, to take advantage of emerging technologies, to meet further customer demands, and to accommodate new applications. As predictive technologies continue to advance, they will be used to develop the tire and test its performance "on the computer" and to further reduce the need for physical tests. Prototype tires are subjected to a variety of tests. One set of tests is run to verify the target performance levels and assure safety. As tire technology develops along many fronts, the hope is that there will be progressively less need for such tests, since tire testing can be quite expensive and time-consuming. Rubber is an essential element of pneumatic tires; it offers flexibility, low hysteresis, and good friction on most surfaces, high abrasion resistance, and good impermeability by contained air. Major classifications of tires include automobile, truck, off-road, farm, aircraft, and race tires.
