Sumitomo Tire Quality Grading System

Uniform Tire Quality Grading System or UTQG, is the standard by which tire manufacturers rate the quality of their tires. With the exception of snow tires, the DOT requires the manufacturers to grade passenger car tires based on three performance factors: treadwear, traction, & temperature resistance.


Tread Wear
  • More Than 100: Better
  • 100: Baseline
  • Less Than 100: Poorer

The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test track.

A tire graded 200 would wear twice as long on the government test track as one graded 100. Your actual tire mileage depends upon the conditions of their use & may vary due to driving habits, service practices, differences in road characteristics & climate. Note: Treadwear grades are valid only for comparisons within a manufacturer's product line. They are not valid for comparisons between manufacturers.


Traction

  • AA: Best
  • A: Better
  • B: Good
  • C: Fair

Traction grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt & concrete. The Traction grade is based upon "straight ahead" braking tests; it does not indicate cornering ability.


Temperature

  • A: Best
  • B: Intermediate
  • C: Acceptable

The temperature grades represent the tire's resistance to the generation of heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperatures can cause the materials of the tire to degenerate & thus reduce tire life. Excessive temperatures can lead to tire failure. Federal law requires that all tires meet at least the minimal requirements of Grade C.

Temperature grades are representative of a properly inflated & not overloaded tire. Excessive load, or underinflation, or excessive speed can increase heat & lead to premature failure.