What Are UTQG Ratings?

If you’re shopping for tires, you may have come across the term “UTQG.” But what does UTQG stand for, and what do those ratings mean? Keep reading to find out!

What does a UTQG rating entail?

Most people are familiar with the Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS) ratings on the sidewalls of tires, but few actually know what the various ratings mean. The UTQGS was established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to provide consumers with consistent information about a tire’s treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance. 

• The treadwear rating is a comparative rating based on the tire’s wear rate when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. 
• A tire rated 100 would wear twice as well as a tire rated 200. 
• The actual wear rate also depends upon the driver’s driving habits, road conditions, inflation pressure, and other factors. 
• A higher treadwear number indicates longer tread life. 

A letter grade is assigned to each tire based on its traction performance under controlled testing on the wet pavement: 

• A is best 
• B is acceptable 
• C is marginal

The temperature grade for a tire is determined by running it at high speed for a specified period of time and measuring its surface temperature after it has been cooled in an ice bath. Grades range from A (maximum temperature up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit) to C (maximum temperature up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit).

What can you learn from UTQG ratings?

If you’re in the market for a new set of tires, you may have come across the term UTQG Rating and wondered what it meant. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand what information UTQG Ratings provide and how they can help you make an informed decision when purchasing new tires.

UTQG Rating is an abbreviation for “Uniform Tire Quality Grading,” which is a system developed by the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide consumers with reliable information about a tire’s performance. Each tire has three ratings: treadwear, traction, and temperature.

Treadwear grades are determined by testing the tire under controlled conditions on a specified government test track. A tire with a grade of 100 would be expected to wear 2X as long as a tire that is graded 50. 

Traction grades are measured on wet pavement performance during acceleration, braking, and cornering under controlled conditions on a specified government test track. 

Temperature grades represent the tire’s ability to dissipate heat under controlled laboratory test conditions on ABA-specified test equipment. 

A tire marked “Exceptional” would be able to dissipate twice as much heat as one marked “Poor”; while one marked “Good” would fall in between the two extremes.

While UTQG Ratings provide valuable information about a tire’s performance, it’s important to keep in mind that they are based on tests conducted under controlled conditions and may not necessarily reflect real-world conditions. When choosing new tires, it’s always best to consult a professional who can help you select the right ones for your specific needs and driving habits.

How does the UTQG operate?

The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) system was developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in order to provide consumers with standardized ratings for tire treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance. The UTQG is not a measure of a tire’s quality but rather a guide to help shoppers compare tires. 

Tire manufacturers are required by law to stamp their tires with UTQG ratings. The treadwear rating is the most important number in the UTQG system, as it is intended to give consumers an idea of how long a tire will last. The traction rating is less important, as it only measures a tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement, not dry pavement. The temperature rating is the least important number, as it only pertains to a tire’s resistance to heat build-up, not cold weather performance. 

It is important to note that UTQG ratings are only meant to be used as a guide, not as a definitive measure of tire quality. Tires with higher ratings tend to be better quality tires, but many other factors affect tire quality, such as construction, materials used, and brand reputation. When shopping for tires, be sure to do your research and read reviews in addition to comparing UTQG ratings.

If you want to purchase a new set of tires, try our tire finder tool online or consult with your local Trail Tire Auto Center.