DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories were established by the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The specific grade rating as-
signed by the tire's manufacturer in each category is shown on the
sidewall of the tires on your vehicle.
All passenger vehicle tires must conform to Federal safety requirements
in addition to these grades.
Treadwear
The Treadwear grade is a comparative rating, based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified govern-
ment test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and
one-half 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, and may depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices, and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These
grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement, as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
M A I N T A I N I N G Y O U R V E H I C L E
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