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UTQGS Information (Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards)
The Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards (UTQGS) (575.104) were designed to assist
consumers in making informed choices by requiring information be provided on
passenger car tires about their relative performance in the areas of treadwear, traction,
and temperature resistance. To aid consumers in making informed choices when
purchasing passenger car tires, information about their relative performances in the
areas of treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance is required on new pneumatic
tires.
Treadwear Number
This number indicates the tire's wear rate. The higher the treadwear number is, the longer it
should take for the tread to wear down. For example, a tire graded 400 should last twice as
long as a tire graded 200. These numbers are only able to be compared between tires within
the same manufacturer. One company’s 400 rating is not the same as another company’s 400
rating.
Traction Letter
This letter indicates a tire's ability to stop on wet pavement. A higher graded tire should allow
you to stop your car on wet roads in a shorter distance than a tire with a lower grade. Traction
is graded from highest to lowest as "A", "B", and "C".
Temperature Letter
This letter indicates a tire's resistance to heat. The temperature grade is for a tire that is
inflated properly and not overloaded. Excessive speed, under inflation or excessive loading,
either separately or in combination, can cause heat build-up and possible tire failure. From
highest to lowest, a tire's resistance to heat is graded as "A", "B", or "C".
Load Rating / Ply Rating
Some tires (ST and LT) will also indicate a Load Rating or Ply Rating which is a single letter,
“B”, “C”, “D”, “E” or “F”. This letter is used to designate how much load the tire is designed
to carry at its industry specified pressure. Passenger tires feature named load ranges while
light truck and trailer tires use load ranges that ascend in alphabetical order (letters further
along in the alphabet identify stronger tires that can withstand higher inflation pressure and
carry heavier loads).
Load Range - Marking
Ply Rating
B
4
C
6
D
8
E
10
F
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Summary of Contents for Gooseneck
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