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 AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing 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
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 349
9
Ball Joints............................ 296
Battery............................... 292
Jump Starting........................ 270
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 24
Location.........................271,292
Bearings.............................. 307
Belts, Drive........................... 290
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 296
B-Pillar Location....................... 222
Brake Assist System..................... 108
Brake, Parking......................... 212
Brake System.......................214,303
Anti-Lock (ABS)...................... 214
Fluid Check......................304,325
Hoses.............................. 303
Warning Light....................... 139
Brake/Transmission Interlock.............. 210
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 59
Bulb Replacement...................... 318
Bulbs, Light........................... 317
Calibration, Compass.................... 146
Capacities, Fluid....................... 323Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 244
Radiator (Coolant Pressure).............. 301
Car Washes........................... 307
Carbon Monoxide Warning.............59,244
Cargo Tie-Downs....................... 127
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 180
Catalytic Converter..................... 291
CD (Compact Disc) Player.............154,161
Cellular Phone.......................... 70
Chains, Tire........................... 238
Changing A Flat Tire.................... 263
Chart, Tire Sizing....................... 219
Child Restraint...................51,53,55,57
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 55
Child Safety Locks....................... 20
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 241
Climate Control........................ 181
Clock..........................156,162,178
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance........... 181
Compact Spare Tire..................... 229
Compass............................. 146
Compass Calibration.................... 146
INDEX 353
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