The Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS) was brought into play by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which is a wing of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The main reason for introducing this Uniform Tire Quality Grading System was to provide an informative tire marking system easily identifiable to consumers. There are three main categories for tire markings all of which clearly identify the quality of each individual tire thus improving the clarity and transparency when buying tires. Several markings in the way of characters and digits on labels frequent the side of all modern tires, this can be confusing or intimidating.
The Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS)
When looking at to buy any new tires for sale, it is necessary to understand the UTQG ratings to make an informed decision. The UTQG tire markings are placed on the sidewalls of each tire, you can also notice these labels which are clearly identifiable in tire brochures and magazines.
It is illegal for most passenger cars to run a set of tires without Uniform Tire Quality Grading System tire ratings, the exceptions to this rule are for deep treaded light trucks, temporary spare tires, snow/winter tires or tires under 12 inch diameter.
In this article we will address the main 3 factors which combined form the Uniform Tire Quality Grading System and explain the importance of each of these ratings. This guide to Uniform Tire Quality Grading System tires will highlight the things to look for, explain the differences and also pitfalls not to fall into. The aim is to improve the understanding and help in the buying decision when buying tires on sale.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System is divided into 3 components
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The Uniform Tire Quality Grading System tire ratings are broken down into three areas
1. Treadwear
2. Traction
3. Temperature Resistance
NHTSA – Testing
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It is worth considering that the testing of tires is conducted solely by the tire manufacturers and sometimes this task will be outsourced to specialists within this niche field. All tire ratings results are governed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration but it is worth noting that none of these tests are overseen or conducted by NHTSA. The purpose of the NHTSA is to investigate any complaints and data inaccuracies that are present in the tire ratings and can enforce fines if inconsistencies occur. The NHTSA also posses the power to request data sheets and test results from each tire manufacture for closer analysis should the need arise.
New tire products are assigned their ratings grade upon manufacture. Once introduced into retail outlets tire manufacturers are permitted a 6 month testing period to ascertain the actual ratings and grade of the production tire. The grade for each tire is then branded on the tires sidewall.
Consumers must also be aware that the test performance on tires are conducted in “standard testing conditions” which do not factor for any deviation in tire pressure, tire mis-alignment or overloading which can often be the case as driven by your average consumer.
Treadwear
Unfortunately, the rating that is of the most interest to consumers is the one that appears to be the least consistent. While the Treadwear Grade was originally intended to be assigned purely scientifically, it has also become a marketing tool used by manufacturers to help position and promote their tires.
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire against a control tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test track. A tire graded 200 would last twice as long on the government test course under specified test conditions as one graded 100. The test is conducted on a fixed test track covering a distance of 7200 miles It is an oversimplification to assume treadwear grades will be proportional directly to your actual 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. So extrapolating treawear ratings proportionally to actual road mileage is inaccurate. Please consider treadwear in your overall decision with over Uniform Tire Quality Grading System ratings and for a more accurate assessment include the treadwear warranty provided with the tire.
Traction of Uniform Tire Quality Grading System
Traction grades are categorized in four ratings. The highest traction grade is AA and the lowest C, the complete scale is AA, A, B and C. Each grade is a rating that represents the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement whilst travelling at 40mph as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. You must also note that this rating is based on a straight line braking test, and does not take into account cornering, hydroplaning or acceleration which are all factors.
Temperature Resistance Grade of Uniform Tire Quality Grading System
The importance of temperature ratings should not be underestimated as it clearly defines the tires ability to dissipate heat and prevents the tire generating excessive heat. It is paramount that tires have the ability to perform at high speeds, which is in itself a function of temperature resistance. Situations can arise when tires with a poor temperature grade cannot perform as expected at higher speeds this reduces the life of your tire and can cause sudden failure. The temperature grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B and C.
The US legally requires a minimum of a C Rating. The below ratings indicate the range of speeds that a tire can operate without failure.
Temperature Ratings
Grade C – 85 – 100 mph
Grade B – 100 – 115 mph
Grade A – 115mph
Summary of treadwear and other grade variables
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Summarizing, the Uniform Tire Quality Grading System is a system that aims to present an impartial ratings system to give the consumer a balanced overview of the quality of each tire under a variety of temperatures and driving conditions. In reality, you may come to the conclusion that these ratings are inconclusive and provide a clouded perspective that is intentionally skewed by tire manufacturers for marketing purposes. When evaluating tires, consumers should take Uniform Tire Quality Grading System ratings into consideration but please note other factors including driving conditions, driving style and budget are more important.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System