Overview of Tire Quality Grading Standards

Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards are U.S. government specifications. Their purpose is to provide drivers with uniform reliable information on tire performance data.

Tire manufacturers have to grade tires using three performance factors: 1 tread wear grade, 2 traction grade and 3 temperature grade. These regulations do not apply to Canada. Nevertheless, all tires sold in North America are provided with the corresponding quality grading markings on the sidewall of the tire.

Where applicable, the tire grading information can be found on the tire sidewall between the tread shoulder and maximum tire width.

Example:
• Treadwear grade:

200 • Traction grade:

AA • Temperature grade:

A

All passenger car tires must conform to the statutory safety requirements in addition to these grades.

The actual values for tires are vehiclespecific and may deviate from the values in the illustration.