Inflation pressure retention is an important property of tire performance because underinflation can adversely affect tire rolling resistance, handling, structural integrity, and tread life.

This test method is useful for research and development evaluation of the effects of tire component formulations and geometry on inflation pressure retention. Testing for rate of pressure loss under static conditions is practical because of the following:

Tires in normal use are predominantly at rest, and

Relative air diffusion rates of various tires in normal intermittent road service will correlate with static relative rates, to a first approximation. The relative air diffusion rates of different tires may not be quite the same under dynamic flexing as when tested statically, but the difference is believed to be small.

The results from this test method are not suitable for inferring tire inflation retention under severe service conditions, such as heavy cornering or impacts, that might cause significant air loss at the tire-rim seal.