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| Tires by vehicle | Tires by size | Tires by Brand |
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Yokohama UTQG
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Rating vs. Load Range Ply ratings & load ranges identify load & inflation limits of a given tire size when used in a specific type of service.
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Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG) Labeling Required by the government, the UTQG provides comparative manufacturer information. Tires are subjected to a series of government-mandated tests that measure performance in treadwear, traction & temperature resistance. All testing is done by the tire manufacturer. |
| Treadwear Treadwear is a measurement of tread durability. Tested against an industry standard, the assigned numerical grade indicates how well the tread lasts compared with a reference standard of 100. A treadwear rating 200 means the tread wears twice as well as the standard. Actual wear depends on the conditions under which the tire is used. Driving habits, service practices, differences in road surface & varying climates all affect treadwear. |
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| Traction Traction is a measurement of a tire's ability to stop on wet test surfaces of asphalt & concrete under controlled conditions. Traction grades are assigned by the UTQG system & branded on the sidewall. Traction grade is determined only for straight-ahead, wet braking on concrete & asphalt. It doesn't include cornering, which may also be an important customer performance need. Traction Grade A: The tire performed well on both surfaces. Traction Grade B: The tire performed well on at least one of the surfaces. Traction Grade C: The tire performed poorly on one or both of the surfaces. |
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| Temperature Resistance The UTQG also provides a measure of resistance to heat generation under normal operating conditions. The test is conducted under predetermined standards for inflation & loading. Excessive speed, underinflation & overloading can all cause adverse heat build-up. Sustained high temperatures can reduce tire durability. Resistance grades are branded on the sidewall. Resistance Grade A: The maximum performance level indicating the tire withstood a half-hour run at 115 mph without failing. Resistance Grade B: The tire passed 100 mph but not 115 mph. Resistance Grade C: The minimum performance level indicating that the tire failed to complete a half-hour at 100 mph. |
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| Department of Transportation (DOT)
Certification "DOT" is branded on the tire's sidewall indicating the tire is certified by the Department of Transportation. Following the DOT branding is a serial number designating the tire manufacturer, manufacturing plant, tire size & date of manufacture. Federal law requires that tire dealers record the DOT identification numbers along with the tire buyer's name & address. |
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| Additional Tire Labeling Conventions Mud & Snow Labeling If a tire is rated for safe performance in mud & snow, it will be noted on the sidewall of the tire with either M/S, M+S or M&S. A tire is certified under the definitions set forth by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA). |
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| Tire Construction Labeling Tread ply & sidewall ply information, including tire ply composition & materials used, must also be identified. An example would be: Tread: 2 Plies Rayon + 4 Plies Fiberglass Sidewall: 2 Plies Rayon |
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