significantly 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 performance.
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 con-
trolled 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
corresponds to a level of performance, which all passenger
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.
402 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
Downshifting............................228
Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water................................240
Electrical Power Outlets.....................134
Electric Remote Mirrors......................94
Electronic Brake Control System...............249
Brake Assist System.....................250
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)........122
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)..............252
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)......160
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher..................297
Jacking...............................308
Jump Starting..........................320
Towing..............................327
Emission Control System Maintenance..........337
Engine
Air Cleaner...........................344
Break-In Recommendations.................78
Checking Oil Level......................340
Compartment..........................335
Cooling..............................356
Exhaust Gas Caution.....................80
Fails to Start...........................224
Flooded, Starting.......................224
Fuel Requirements......................285
Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..340
Oil Filler Cap..........................342
Oil Selection...........................342
Oil Synthetic..........................343
Overheating...........................297
Starting..............................223
Temperature Gauge......................157
Enhanced Accident Response Feature............53
Event Data Recorder........................58
10
INDEX 409
