Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)

Quality grading is designed to make the tire purchase decision easier for you. Ideally, the system is intended to provide simple, comparative data which you can use in making an intelligent buying decision. However, the ratings are based upon test results achieved under very special conditions. As a result, misinterpreting the comparative data as it relates to your particular driving habits, conditions, etc., is a possibility. You should still rely upon your service or tire professional for assistance.

Quality grading designates the comparative performance levels of a tire based upon government-specified tests, but commissioned by the individual tire manufacturers. All tire manufacturers & br& name owners are required to grade regular & all season passenger tires in three categories:

TREADWEAR
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 course to 6,000 miles(9600Km). For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one & a half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, & may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices & differences in road characteristics.

TRACTION AA, A, B, C
The traction grades from highest to lowest, are AA (the highest) A, B, & C & they represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt & concrete. A tire marked C will have the lowest traction performance.

WARNING: THE TRACTION GRADE ASSIGNED IS BASED ON A WET BRAKING (STRAIGHT AHEAD) TRACTION TEST AND DOES NOT INCLUDE CORNERING (TURNING) TRACTION.

TEMPERATURE A, B, C
The temperature grades are A, B, & C, representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat & its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate & reduce tire life, & excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A & B represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

WARNING: THE TEMPERATURE GRADE IS ESTABLISHED FOR A TIRE THAT IS PROPERLY INFLATED AND NOT OVERLOADED. EXCESSIVE SPEED, UNDER INFLATION, OR EXCESSIVE LOADING, EITHER SEPARATELY OR IN COMBINATION, CAN CAUSE HEAT BUILDUP AND POSSIBLE TIRE FAILURE.

DOT Quality Grades
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Requirements in addition to these grades.

Avon tires	Dunlop tires	Goodyear tires	Michelin tires	Uniroyal tires
BF Goodrich tires	Firestone tires	Hankook tires	Pirelli tires	Yokohama tires
Bridgestone tires	Fuzion tires	Hoosier tires	Sumitomo tires	Discount tires
Continental tires	General tires	Kumho tires	Toyo tires	Wheels