The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) system was developed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to assist consumers in the purchase of their tires by providing a standard grading system used by all tire manufacturers. Using UTQG Standards tires have three specific areas of measurement. Traction, Tread Wear and Temperature. The grading system is alpha numeric. Let's use the following as an example of a UTQG rating:
400/A/A Tread Wear
The tread wear grade (400 in the example) is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test track. A tire graded 200 would wear twice as long on the government test course under specified test conditions as one graded 100. In our example the tire would last 4 times as long as a tire with a rating of 100. To estimate mileage using the UTQG tread wear grade, 100 is equals 10,000 to 12,000 miles. A rating of 400 would be about a 48,000 mile tire. This is an "estimate" not a
guarantee, actual mileage will vary based on driving habits and conditions. Most manufacturer's actually specify a mileage warranty, ask for details or visit the manufacturers web site for more information. Traction
Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B and C. They represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. The testing does not take into account cornering, hydroplaning or acceleration. Temperature
The temperature grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B and C. These represent the tire's resistance to the generation of heat. UTQG is in effect now however NHTSA issued a press release in June of this year proposing a new more consumer friendly tire labeling system. Press release is below:
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U.S. DOT Proposes New Tire Fuel Efficiency Ratings for American Consumers
NHTSA Thursday, June 18, 2009 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation today proposed a new, consumer-friendly replacement tire label which would include, for the first time, information about the tire's impact on fuel economy and CO2 emission reductions. Tires with lower rolling resistance – and proper inflation pressure - can contribute to improved fuel economy.
In addition to the new fuel efficiency ratings, the proposal by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also would provide consumers with two other key pieces of tire performance information - wet weather traction and tread wear. All three ratings would be prominently displayed on a removable label attached to the replacement tire at the point of sale.
The new, three-tiered ratings also will appear on safercar.gov to help consumers in compare ratings as they shop for new tires.
"Today's proposal takes the guess work out of buying the best tires for your vehicle," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "Our proposal would let consumers look at a single label and compare a tire's overall performance as it relates to fuel economy, safety and durability."
NHTSA is required by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to issue a final rule by December 2009.
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