WHAT IS UTQG?
The Uniform Tire Quality Grade System (UTQG) is put in place by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The UTQG rating system was developed to help you understand how well your tires perform compared to other tires from the same brand. The UTQG tire rating system rates your tire's performance in three specific performance categories: treadwear, traction and temperature.
You can find your tire's UTQG ratings on both your tire's sticker label and molded onto the tire sidewall.
Although developed by the NHTSA, the UTQG system depends on tire manufacturer testing and scoring. So, each grade is relative to each brand and accurate comparisons between tires can only be made between tires of the same manufacturer.
The UTQG system can give you a relative idea of how your new tires will perform. However, as it is based on test results found in controlled lab settings, real world performance will vary.
Keep in mind that the UTQG tire rating system is separate from other symbols on your tire's sidewall. Other symbols indicate important information, such as speed rating (moderated by the Department of Transportation), size or type of tire, to help you understand your tire's performance capability.
You can also learn a lot about your tire's performance based on its tire type.
UTQG TIRE RATINGS
Treadwear Grades
Tire treadwear rating is a relative score given to a tire as an estimate of its longevity. It is not a projected estimate of mileage or tread life. Instead, it gives you an idea of how long you can expect your tire to last compared to a base standard of a 100 score.
Scores are determined in tire wear tests in closely controlled driving conditions. Since 100 is the base standard, a tire with a score of 200 should last twice as long as the standard. A score of 400 should last twice as much as the 200 scored tire.
Since scores will vary by brand (as each brand tests and measures scoring differently), you can only use this system to compare tires of the same manufacturer.
Also note that actual treadwear will vary based on real-world use. Driving habits, proper air pressure, road conditions and the climate can affect tread life.
| Tire Treadwear Rating Distribution Chart | |
|---|---|
| % of All Tires | Treadwear Rating |
| 15% | up to 200 |
| 25% | 201-300 |
| 32% | 301-400 |
| 20% | 401-500 |
| 6% | 501-600 |
| 2% | above 600 |
Traction Grades
Tire traction in the UTQG system is a relative measurement of a tire's ability to stop on wet road conditions.
The tire traction rating is determined by its ability to stop on a straight, wet surface under controlled conditions. This rating doesn't determine a tire's handling capability on wet, snowy or icy roads. It's a relative measure for braking and stopping only.
Traction scores are given in letterform. In descending order, they are: AA, A, B and C.
Your tire's tread greatly affects stopping distance. However, the UTQG's traction grade does not measure tire tread but instead gives an overall idea of how well your tires can stop.
| Tire Traction Grade Chart | ||
|---|---|---|
| Traction Grades | Asphalt g-Force | Concrete g-Force |
| AA | Above 0.54 | .41 |
| A | Above 0.47 | .35 |
| B | Above 0.38 | .26 |
| C | Less Than 0.38 | .26 |
Temperature Grades
The UTGC rating for temperature is determined by a tire's resistance to heat buildup and its ability to dissipate heat under regulated operating conditions (all at the manufacturer's recommended air pressure).
Scores are given in letterform, from A to C. Federal safety standards require a minimum of C. A-rated tires run cooler than C-rated tires but C-rated tires are by no means unsafe.
| Tire Temprature Grade Chart | |
|---|---|
| Temprature Grades | Speeds in MPH |
| A | Over 115 |
| B | Between 100-115 |
| C | Between 85-100 |
Other outside factors should be taken into account regarding a tire's ability to dissipate heat. Ensuring your tire isn't overloaded or that your tire is properly inflated to the correct PSI can help reduce heat buildup.
If you're looking for new tires but want to max out your savings, we've got you covered. We've got the lowest prices on our massive inventory of tires.
Not sure where to start? Start with Treadwell, our smart tire buying guide that can match you with the best tires for you, your vehicle and how you drive!
Start with TreadwellReady to upgrade or re-up the rubber on your ride? Stop by any of our America's Tire locations and we'll get you taken care of! Customers who buy and book online wait less time in-store!