The paper describes a new testing facility (marketed by VMI, EPE Holland BV) using slip angle, load, speed and abrasive surface structure as variables to evaluate the wear performance of tread compounds. It is shown that the abrasion loss and the rating of compounds can be described by the energy dissipated and the forward speed of the sample. Coefficients and power indices depend on compound and abrasive surface structure. Hence ratings of compounds depend also on these variables. Wear on the road occurs under given sets of forces and sliding speeds. By using a tire model, laboratory abrasion obtained on a particular track can be translated to road wear. Using laboratory abrasion data, the paper shows how compound ratings depend on road testing conditions.