What Does the UTQG Rating on Tires Mean?
When you are in the market for a new set of tires, one of the factors you will likely consider is the UTQG rating. But what does that mean? UTQG stands for “Uniform Tire Quality Grade” and is a measure of a tire’s quality. The higher the rating, the better the quality of the tire. In this article, we will explain what each grade means and what to look for when shopping for tires.
How Does Uniform Tire Quality Grading Work?
All passenger car tires must have a UTQG rating. The ratings are assigned by the tire’s manufacturer and are meant to provide consumers with an easy way to compare tires. The three main areas that are judged in a UTQG rating are treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance.
Treadwear is the measure of how well a tire wears down over time. The higher the number, the longer it will take for the tire to wear down.
Traction measures a tire’s ability to stop on wet surfaces. Tires with high traction ratings will provide better stopping power on wet roads.
Temperature resistance is a measure of how well a tire performs in hot or cold weather conditions. Tires with high temperature resistance ratings will be able to withstand extreme temperatures without suffering any damage.
Test tires are pulled on a skid trailer at 40mph over specified government test surfaces to evaluate treadwear and temperature grades speeds. The test tire is run until the tire wears down to its treadwear indicator, which is a raised section of rubber at the bottom of the tread groove that becomes visible when the tire has worn down to its final few 32nds of an inch of tread. A control tire is assigned a grade of 100, so if a test tire wears at twice the rate of the control tire, it would be assigned a treadwear grade of 200.
The ratings are AA, A, B, and C. Only four lines of tires have a rating of C and they are racing tires that are not intended for regular driving. Tires with a UTQG rating of AA have the longest tread life and the best traction, while those with a UTQG rating of C have the shortest tread life and the poorest traction.
When shopping for new tires, it is important to keep in mind the UTQG rating. This rating can help you compare different tires and choose the best one for your needs. If you have any questions about UTQG ratings, or anything else related to tires, be sure to ask a qualified professional. They will be able to help you make an informed decision about which tire is right for you. Thanks for reading!
History of The Uniform Tire Quality Grade
The UTQG rating system was created by the U.S. government in order to provide consumers with information about a tire’s treadwear, traction, and temperature grade. The UTQG rating system is a way of measuring tire performance that has been used since the 1970s. It stands for Uniform Tire Quality Grading, and it is a system that is overseen by the U.S. government.
The UTQG rating system includes three different ratings:
- Treadwear grades – The treadwear grade is a comparative rating that is assigned to a tire based on its wear rate. The higher the number, the longer it should take for the tread to wear down on asphalt and concrete surfaces.
- Traction grades – The traction grade is a measure of a tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement. The higher the number, the better the tire will perform on wet asphalt or other wet conditions.
- Temperature rating and temperature grades – temperature ratings are assigned to a tire based on how well it dissipates heat. The higher the number, the cooler the tire will run.
These ratings are all measured on a scale of 100, with 100 being the best possible score. When buying tires, it is important to look at the UTQG grades and specified test conditions and controlled conditions the tire manufacturers used.
How to Use The UTQG Rating System
When shopping for tires, you will see the UTQG rating listed on the tire’s sidewall. This rating can help you compare different tires and choose the best one for your needs. If you are looking for a tire with good treadwear, look for a tire with a high treadwear rating. If you live in an area with lots of snow and ice, look for a tire with a high traction rating.
UTQG Ratings Aren’t Perfect
Keep in mind that the UTQG ratings are not perfect, and they should not be the only factor you consider when choosing tires. But, they can be a helpful tool in your decision-making process.
UTQG ratings are also not required for trailer tires, temporary spare tires, and other tires under 12 inches in diameter. Your driving habits, road characteristics, and whether you have an inflated tire can also affect tread wear and a tire’s resistance to heat.
If you have any questions about the UTQG rating system or need help finding the right tires for your vehicle, just reach out to our tire experts. We would be happy to help you out!
The Best Tire Manufacturers for UTQG Ratings
There are a few tire manufacturers that consistently rank high in UTQG ratings. These brands include Michelin, Continental, and Pirelli. If you’re looking for a high-quality tire with good UTQG ratings, a tire manufacturer like these are worth considering.
Michelin tires typically have very good treadwear ratings, making them a great choice if you’re looking for long-lasting tires. Continental and Pirelli tires often have very good traction ratings, making them a great choice if you live in an area with lots of snow and ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have questions about UTQG ratings, here are some answers to frequently asked questions.
What is a good UTQG tire rating?
When it comes to UTQG ratings, there is no magic number that makes a tire “good.” The important thing is to compare tires of the same type (e.g., all-season tires) and make sure the tire you’re considering has good ratings in the categories that are important to you. If you’re looking for long-lasting tires, pay attention to treadwear ratings. If you live in an area with lots of snow and ice, pay attention to traction ratings.
Keep in mind that UTQG ratings are only one factor to consider when choosing a tire. Other important factors include price, warranty, and reviews from other drivers. Do your research and choose the best tire for your needs!
What do the numbers on UTQG ratings mean?
The numbers on UTQG ratings represent the relative wear or traction of a tire compared to other tires. For example, a tire with a treadwear rating of 200 will last twice as long as a tire with a treadwear rating of 100. A tire with a traction rating of A will have better grip than a tire with a traction rating of B.
Is a treadwear rating of 500 good?
Treadwear rating is a measure of how well a tire holds up over time. A treadwear rating of 500 means the tire will last twice as long as a tire with a treadwear rating of 250. So, a treadwear rating of 500 is considered good. However, keep in mind that other factors (such as price, warranty, and reviews) are also important when choosing a tire.
