|
13-3 . Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards s13ac
This information indicates the relative performance of passenger car tires in the area of treadwear , traction , and temperature resistance . This is to aid the consumer in making an informed choice in the purchase of tires .
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width . For example :
TREADWEAR 200 TRACTION AA TEMPERATURE A
The quality grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on passenger cars . However , they do not apply to deep tread , winter type snow tires , space-saver or temporary use spare tires , tires with nominal rim diameters of 12 inches or less , or to some limited production tires .
|
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these grades .
& TREADWEAR s13ac02
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course .
For example , a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half ( 1- 1 / 2 ) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100 . The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use , however , and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits , service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate .
& TRACTION AA , A , B , C s13ac03
The traction grades , from highest to lowest , are AA , A , B and C . Those grades represent the tire ’ s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
|
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete . A tire marked C may have poor traction performance .
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straightahead braking traction tests , and does not include acceleration , cornering , hydroplaning , or peak traction characteristics .
& TEMPERATURE A , B , C s13ac04
The temperature grades are A ( the highest ), B , and C , representing the 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 . Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life , and excessive temperature
|
Consumer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
13
|
|
– CONTINUED – |