Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQG)
Except for snow tires, US federal authorities require manufacturers to grade passenger car tires based on three factors: tread wear, traction, and temperature resistance.
Tread Wear
This grade measures the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions. 100 is taken to represent a basic quality standard. A tire graded 200 would wear twice as long on the test track as one graded 100. More Than 100 - Better, 100 - Baseline, less Than 100 - Poorer. Note: Tread wear grades are valid only for comparisons within a manufacturer's product line . They are not valid for comparisons between manufacturers.
Traction
Traction grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement. The grade is based upon ""straight ahead"" braking tests. It does not indicate cornering ability.
A- Best
B - IntermediateC - Acceptable
Temperature
The temperature grades represent the tire's resistance to the generation of heat.A- BestB - IntermediateC - Acceptable Note: Federal law requires that all tires meet at least the minimal requirements of Grade C.
