DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories were established by
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The
specific grade rating assigned by the tire’s manufacturer
in each category is shown on the sidewall of the tires on
your vehicle.
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
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half
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 departsignificantly from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices, and differences in road charac-
teristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. These 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.
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 481
Cargo Compartment
Light............................. 182
Luggage Carrier..................... 189
Cargo Light............................ 182
Cargo Load Floor........................ 185
Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 185
Cellular Phone........................99,276
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 454
Chains, Tire............................ 355
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 392
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 338
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 416
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 85
Checks, Safety........................... 85
Child Restraint........................75,77
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 80
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts........... 78
Child Safety Locks........................ 33Child Seat.............................. 82
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 367
Cleaning
Wheels............................ 444
Climate Control......................... 276
Clock...........................226,244,253
Clutch............................... 437
Clutch Fluid........................... 437
Coin Holder........................... 181
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 275
Compact Spare Tire...................... 350
Compass.............................. 211
Compass Calibration..................... 222
Compass Variance....................... 222
Connector
UCI .............................. 267
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)....... 267
Console.............................. 181
Contract, Service........................ 477
486 INDEX
