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.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 305
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Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home....... 228
Traction Control........................ 107
Traction Control Switch.................. 107
Trailer Towing......................... 228
Transmission.......................... 265
Automatic........................185,265
Fluid.............................. 282
Shifting............................ 185
Transmitter Battery Service................ 21
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener........... 114
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry........... 18
Transporting Pets........................ 55
Tread Wear Indicators................... 212
Trip Odometer Reset Button............... 138
Trunk Release, Emergency................. 27
Trunk Release Remote Control.............. 25
Turn Signals........................100,134
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 305
Universal Transmitter.................... 114
Unleaded Gasoline...................... 220
Vanity Mirrors.......................... 65Variance, Compass...................... 144
Vehicle Certification Label................ 225
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading..................205,225,226
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 7
Vehicle Storage......................179,275
Vehicle Theft Alarm...................... 21
Video Entertainment System............... 163
Viscosity, Engine Oil..................... 249
Warning Flasher, Hazard................. 230
Warnings and Cautions.................... 6
Warranty Information.................... 302
Washer, Adding Fluid..............104,105,257
Washers, Headlight..................... 104
Washers, Windshield.................... 102
Washing Vehicle........................ 267
Wheel Alignment and Balance............. 214
Wheel and Wheel Trim................... 268
Wheel Bearings........................ 266
Wind Buffeting......................25,122
Window Airbag.......................35,43
Window Fogging....................... 179
INDEX 319
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