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Tests were conducted to evaluate the effects of the tire-induced vibration caused by a tread separating rear tire on the handling characteristics of a 1996 four-door two-wheel drive Ford Explorer. The first test series consisted of a laboratory test utilizing a 36-inch diameter single roller dynamometer driven by the rear wheels of the Explorer. The right rear tire was modified to generate the vibration disturbance that results from a separating tire. This was accomplished by vulcanizing sections of retread to the prepared surface of the tire. Either one or two tread sections covering 1/8, 1/4, or 1/2 of the circumference of the tire were evaluated. The results demonstrated that a tire modified with two bonded-on tread sections driven at half speed replicated axle tramp characteristics of a modified tire with a single bonded-on tread section at the peak axle tramp speed.

To date, the flammability of common automotive fluids under real-world conditions has not been well characterized for general use in the automotive community. This paper presents the results of a research program aimed at providing a greater understanding of the potential fire hazards of common fluids carried on board today's vehicles. A literature review was conducted to define the ignition properties of common automotive fluids as determined very precisely in the lab environment. A test program was then established to gain insight into the ignition properties of common automotive fluids under some real-world conditions. Automotive engine and exhaust components were used to create a test mechanism which realistically represented the environment, temperatures, and surfaces to which vehicle fluids may be subjected The reported laboratory results are compared to the test data. Tests were conducted on twelve fluids with and without ignition sources present.