Consumer information and Reporting safety defects12-3
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Temperature A, B, C
The temp erature g rad es are A (hig hest), B and C, re p resenting the tire’s
resistanc e to g eneration of heat and its ab ility to d issip ate heat when
tested und er c ontrolled c ond itions on a sp ec ified i nd oor lab oratory test
wheel. Sustained hig h temp erature c an c ause the mat erial of the tire to
d eg enerate and red uc e tire life, and exc essive temp erature c an lead to
sud d en tire failure. Grad e C c orresp ond s to a level of p erformanc e
whic h all p asseng er c ar tires must meet und er the F ed eral Motor Vehic le
Safety Stand ard s No. 109. Grad es B and A rep resent hig her levels of
p erformanc e on the lab oratory test wheel than the m inimum req uired b y
law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for a tire is established for one that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, under
inflation or excessive loading, either separately or in combina-tion, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
