# Tire Knowledge

What is UTQG?

Uniform Tire Quality Grading

Fast facts

UTQG

  • UTQG is also known as a treadwear grade
  • It is stamped on the tire sidewall 
  • Relates to expected tire life
  • Is made up of three components: Treadwear, Traction, and Temperature
  • The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test track
  • Traction represents the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
  • Temperature represents the tire's resistance to the generation of heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.

Treadwear

 

The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test track. A tire graded 200 would wear twice as long on the government test course under specified test conditions as one graded 100. It is wrong to link treadwear grades with your projected tire mileage. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use and may vary due to driving habits, service practices, differences in road characteristics and climate.

 

Traction

 

The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B and C. They represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.

 

Temperature

 

The temperature grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B and C. These represent the tire's resistance to the generation of heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.

Two Continental premium tires.