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.
See also:
Tire pressure monitor
Important safety notes
WARNING
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked at least once a month
when cold and inflated to the pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer ...
Load index
In addition to the load bearing index, load
rating 1 may be imprinted after the letters
that identify speed rating 6 on the sidewall
of the tire .
R If no specification is given: no text (as i ...
Important safety notes
WARNING
The seats can still be adjusted when there is
no key in the ignition lock. For this reason,
children should never be left unsupervised in
the vehicle. They could otherwise become
trapped ...