STL modifies test machine for bigger tires, rims

May 22, 2007

Standards Testing Laboratories Inc. (STL) says it has completed an upgrade on one of its rotary fatigue test machines that will make it easier to test larger diameter tires and wider rims.

With the improvement, STL has doubled its capacity to perform dynamic cornering fatigue testing for wheels up to 28 inches in diameter and 20 inches wide.

"This new equipment at STL's facility also allows for variable speed testing services on light truck/SUV loads," say STL officials.

"Larger-size tire and wheel packages for today's SUVs and light trucks continue to grow in popularity, increasing the need for this kind of testing," says Cheryl Schnuth, STL's vice president of marketing.