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
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High Speed......................... 228
Inflation Pressures.................... 227
Jacking..........................264,266
Life of Tires......................... 232
Load Capacity....................222,223
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)......... 234
Quality Grading...................... 349
Radial............................. 229
Replacement......................... 232
Rotation............................ 240
Safety...........................218,226
Self-Sealing.......................... 234
Sizes............................... 219
Snow Tires.......................... 239
Spare Tire........................... 265
Spinning............................ 230
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 231
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight............. 253
Torque Converter Clutch................. 201
Towing.............................. 249
Behind a Motor Home................. 259
Disabled Vehicle...................... 274
Guide.............................. 251Recreational......................... 259
Weight............................. 251
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home....... 259
Traction Control........................ 107
Traction Control Switch.................. 107
Trailer Towing......................... 249
Cooling System Tips................... 258
Hitches............................. 251
Minimum Requirements................ 254
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 253
Wiring............................. 256
Trailer Towing Guide.................... 251
Trailer Weight......................... 251
Transmission.......................... 306
Automatic.....................198,203,306
Fluid.............................. 325
Shifting............................ 198
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry)................... 24
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink).115
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)...... 21
Transporting Pets........................ 58
Tread Wear Indicators................... 231
INDEX 363
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