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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following describes the tire grading categories estab-
lished by the National highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration. The specific grade rating assigned by the tire's
manufacturer in each category is shown on the sidewall
of the tires on your car.
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in Addition to These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1
1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and
C, and they represent the tire's ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade is based on braking (straight-
ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering
(turning) performance.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (highest), B, and C, repre-
senting the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the
tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 257
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corresponds to a level of performance which all passen-
ger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.WARNING!
The temperature grade is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.
258 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
Page 269 of 271

Starting.............................. 132
Cold Weather........................ 133
Engine Fails to Start................... 134
Steering
Power...........................143,202
Tilt Column.......................... 69
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls............................ 118
Stuck, Freeing......................... 185
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag....... 29
Synthetic Engine Oil..................... 197
Tachometer............................ 87
Tape Player........................... 119
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......89,175
Theft Alarm............................ 19
Theft System........................... 19
Tilt Steering Column..................... 69
Time Delay, Headlight.................... 67
Tire and Loading Information Placard....... 149
Tire Identification Number (TIN)........... 148
Tire Markings......................... 145
Tire Safety Information................... 145Tires ...........................43,152,257
Air Pressure......................... 152
Alignment.......................... 158
Chains............................. 159
Changing........................... 176
Compact Spare....................... 155
Flat Changing........................ 176
General Information................... 152
High Speed......................... 154
Inflation Pressures.................... 153
Load Capacity....................... 149
Quality Grading...................... 257
Radial............................. 155
Replacement......................... 157
Rotation............................ 159
Safety...........................145,152
Sizes............................... 146
Snow Tires.......................... 159
Spinning............................ 156
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 157
Top Cover............................. 50
Towing...........................185,186
Disabled Vehicle...................... 185
INDEX 269
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Page 270 of 271

Traction Control....................70,87,144
Trailer Towing......................... 166
Minimum Requirements................ 166
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 166
Warnings........................... 166
Transaxle............................. 213
Additives........................... 215
Automatic.......................... 213
Filter.............................. 215
Manual..........................139,186
Selection of Lubricant.................. 214
Transmission
Range Indicator....................... 89
Transmission....................See Transaxle
Transmitter Battery Service................ 18
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener............ 73
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry........... 15
Tread Wear Indicators................... 157
Trip Computer.......................... 92
Trip Odometer.......................... 89
Trunk Release, Emergency...............20,21
Trunk Release Remote Control.............. 20
Turn Signals.........................67,88Underhood Fuses....................... 223
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 257
Universal Transmitter.................... 73
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................ 211
Vanity Mirrors.......................... 58
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading........................ 149
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 6
Vehicle Theft Alarm...................... 19
Vinyl Trim............................ 218
Viscosity, Engine Oil..................196,232
Voltmeter.............................. 88
Warning, Door Ajar...................... 14
Warning Flasher, Hazard................. 174
Warnings and Cautions.................... 6
Warranty Information.................... 254
Washers, Windshield..................68,205
Washing Vehicle........................ 217
Waxing and Polishing................... 217
Wheel Alignment and Balance............. 158
Wind Buffeting......................... 22
270 INDEX