The UTQG Tire Rating System

Curious about what UTQG means? The Uniform Tire Quality Grade System (UTQG) helps you compare how a tire will perform in three areas: treadwear, traction, and temperature.

What to know up front: - UTQG is overseen by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but tested and reported by each tire manufacturer. - Grades are comparable only within the same brand. Use UTQG to compare Brand A tires to other Brand A tires, not across different manufacturers. - Lab results don’t equal real-world performance. Your driving style, maintenance, roads, and climate all affect outcomes.

You’ll find UTQG grades on the tire’s information label and molded into the sidewall. For a quick walkthrough, watch this short explainer video: https://youtu.be/edASnJdFBiM

What UTQG Measures

Treadwear Grades

A relative indicator of expected longevity, not a mileage guarantee. - 100 is the control. A 200-grade tire is expected to last roughly twice as long as the 100-grade control under test conditions; a 400-grade about twice that of a 200. - Real-world tread life varies with driving habits, proper air pressure, road conditions, and temperature changes. Learn more about tire aging and tread life.

Example: Comparing two tires from the same brand, a 600 treadwear touring tire will generally last longer than a 300-rated performance tire, but may trade off some grip or responsiveness.

Traction Grades

A measure of wet braking performance on controlled asphalt and concrete surfaces. It does not measure cornering, hydroplaning resistance, snow/ice traction, or overall handling.

Grades (best to minimum): AA, A, B, C

• AA: asphalt ≥ 0.54 g, concrete ≥ 0.41 g
• A: asphalt ≥ 0.47 g, concrete ≥ 0.35 g
• B: asphalt ≥ 0.38 g, concrete ≥ 0.26 g
• C: asphalt < 0.38 g, concrete < 0.26 g

Your tire’s tread design and condition still play a major role in stopping distance. See how tread affects braking: stopping distance basics.

Temperature Grades

Indicates a tire’s ability to resist and dissipate heat at speed (tested at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure). Federal minimum is “C.”

• A: sustained speeds over 115 mph
• B: sustained speeds between 100–115 mph
• C: sustained speeds between 85–100 mph

Heat management also depends on load and inflation. Avoid overloading and keep your tires properly inflated to reduce heat buildup.

How to Use UTQG to Choose the Right Tires

• Daily commuting and long mileage: Look for higher treadwear grades (e.g., 500–700 within the same brand) and at least A traction and B–A temperature.
• Wet-climate confidence: Prioritize AA or A traction within the brand you’re comparing. Pair that with a tread pattern designed for water evacuation.
• Spirited driving: Performance tires often trade some treadwear for grip. Expect lower treadwear numbers but strong traction and temperature grades.
• Hot climates, heavy loads, or highway speeds: Favor A temperature grades and maintain correct PSI.

Remember, UTQG is one data point. Also consider size, speed rating, load rating, warranty, noise/comfort, and your vehicle’s needs. You can learn more about tire types and performance traits.

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