UTQG

UTQG stands for Uniform Tire Quality Grading, a U.S. system used to compare tires on three key performance dimensions: treadwear, traction, and temperature. The ratings are intended to help consumers assess relative durability, wet grip, and heat resistance when choosing tires for passenger cars and light trucks. The information is typically printed on the tire sidewall in the order: treadwear, traction, and temperature (for example, 320 A A).

Treadwear is a numeric grade, historically ranging from about 100 to 700, with higher numbers indicating slower wear under standardized testing. It is a relative rating rather than a guaranteed mileage figure and can vary based on driving conditions, load, inflation, and driving style. Traction is expressed as one of three letters: AA, A, B, or C, with AA representing the best wet grip performance. Temperature is also expressed with letters, A, B, or C, indicating a tire’s resistance to heat buildup at speed, with A denoting the highest resistance.

The UTQG ratings are developed by standardized testing overseen by the U.S. Department of Transportation, administered through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Tires sold in the United States generally display UTQG information on the sidewall; not all tires carry UTQG data, and it does not apply to all tire types, such as some specialty or off-road tires.

Limitations include that UTQG does not assess braking in other conditions (e.g., snow), handling performance, hydroplaning resistance beyond wet traction, noise, or brand-to-brand differences unrelated to the three ratings. UTQG provides a general framework for comparison rather than a guarantee of performance.