Mandated by the federal government for tires sold in the U.S., UTQG allows consumers to make basic comparisons between tire models and brands based on three criteria: treadwear, traction and temperature resistance.

All passenger, performance and light truck/SUV tires are subjected to a series of specific government-mandated tests. All testing is performed by each tire manufacturer, using prescribed test tires and procedures.

UTQG ratings are stamped on the sidewall of a tire, and generally appear like this:

440 AB

In this example, 440 denotes the tire’s treadwear rating, "A" denotes its traction rating, and "B" denotes its temperature resistance rating.

UTQG Treadwear Ratings

The UTQG treadwear measurement is an indexed representation of a tire’s durability under optimum conditions. The treadwear grade is based on a 7,200-mile wear test conducted under controlled conditions on a standardized test course. Tires are measured for wear, and tread life expectancy is extrapolated to 2/32-inch of tread.

Tested against an industry standard index of 100, the assigned numerical grade indicates how well the tread lasts compared with the reference standard. For example: A 200 treadwear rating means the tread wears twice as well as the standard, while a 400 rating means the tire will wear four times as well as the standard. Driving habits, road and weather conditions, inflation pressure maintenance and other factors will impact the actual mileage delivered.

UTQG Traction Ratings

The UTQG traction measurement notes a tire’s ability to stop on wet test surfaces of asphalt and concrete under controlled conditions. The rating is based on a low-speed (40 mph) wet braking test and generally indicates the traction capability of the tread compound in straight ahead braking.

The traction grade is determined only for straight-ahead, wet braking on concrete and asphalt, and does not measure turning or cornering traction. Also, the grade does not indicate the tire’s relative ability to resist hydroplaning.

Grade A: The tire performed well on both surfaces

Grade B: The tire performed well on at least one of the surfaces

Grade C: The tire performed poorly on one or both of the surfaces

UTQG Temperature Resistance Ratings

The UTQG test standards also measure a tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.

Speed, loading and inflation can significantly impact a tire’s resistance to heat generation or build-up, which in turn can reduce a tire's durability and service life. The UTQG temperature resistance test is conducted under predetermined standards for inflation and loading.

Grade A: Maximum performance level indicating the tire withstood a 30-minute run at 115 mph without failing

Grade B: The tire passed 100 mph, but not 115 mph

Grade C: Minimum performance level indicating the tire failed to complete a half-hour at 100 mph