A reliable model for predicting wheel wear that considers the interaction between an abrasive block and a wheel as well as the contact between the wheel and rail is developed. First, a wheel wear prediction model that integrates vehicle system dynamics and the Archard wear model for wheel–rail interactions is developed. The wheel wear prediction procedure is validated using measured wheel profiles without the influence of abrasive blocks. Second, a new wheel wear prediction model that integrates the previously validated wheel wear prediction model, a finite element method, and a modified Archard wear model for abrasive block–wheel interactions is developed. The new method for predicting wheel wear is validated using the measured data with acting abrasive blocks. The results show that the tread wear rate due to wheel–rail contact is approximately 0.057 mm/104 km and that the tread wear rate due to abrasive block–wheel and wheel–rail contact is approximately 0.070 mm/104 km at a continuous air pressure of 3.0 bar. •Wheel wear with two types of working schemes of abrasive blocks was measured.•A wheel wear prediction model under the effect of abrasive block was established.•The evolution process of wheel profiles is analyzed in-depth.•The wear coefficient between the abrasive block and the wheel is determined.