DOT (Department of Transportation) Quality Grades apply to all passenger car tires and are intended to provide comparative information in addition to meeting federal safety requirements.

Where applicable, these quality grades are molded into the tire sidewall between the tread shoulder and the maximum section width. Example grading format:

Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A

Treadwear

The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the rate of wear under controlled testing conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1½) times as long on the test course as a tire graded 100.

Actual tire performance may vary significantly depending on driving habits, road conditions, maintenance practices, and regional climate differences.

Traction AA, A, B and C

Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement under controlled conditions on specified asphalt and concrete test surfaces. A tire graded C may exhibit poor traction performance.

WARNING

The traction grade is based solely on straight-line braking tests and does not account for acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction capabilities.

Temperature A, B and C

Temperature grades indicate a tire’s resistance to heat buildup and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled laboratory conditions. Grade A represents the highest level of performance, followed by B and C. Sustained excessive heat can degrade tire materials, reduce tire life, and potentially cause sudden tire failure.

Grade C meets the minimum performance level required under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109, while grades B and A exceed the minimum requirements.

WARNING

The temperature grade is established for a properly inflated and non- overloaded tire. Excessive speed, under-inflation, or overloading—either individually or in combination—can cause excessive heat buildup and may result in tire failure.