UTQG stands for the Uniform Tire Quality Grade. This tire marking shows the temperature the tire can handle, its traction potential, and treadwear. The tire grade system ensures that tires meet the safety standards required by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Tire quality grade is specific for passenger tires except for winter, run-flat, or deep-tread LT tire models. The UTQG rating chart is provided in the table below:
| UTQG Rating |
What It Measures |
Range |
What’s Best |
| Treadwear |
Tire lifespan |
100–1000 |
400+ for long life |
| Traction |
Grip on wet roads |
C → AA |
A or AA |
| Temperature |
Heat resistance |
C → A |
A |
|
Temperature Grades
|
Speeds in mph
|
| A |
Over 115 |
| B |
100 - 115 |
| C |
85 - 100 |
|
Grades
|
g-Force (Asphalt)
|
g-Force (Concrete)
|
| AA |
> 0.54 |
0.38 |
| A |
> 0.47 |
0.35 |
| B |
> 0.38 |
0.26 |
| C |
< 0.38 |
0.26 |
|
Treadwear Rating
|
Mileage (Approximate*)
|
| Up to 200 |
20,000 miles |
| 201 – 300 |
20,000 – 30,000 miles |
| 301 – 400 |
30,000 – 40,000 miles |
| 401 – 500 |
40,000 – 50,000 miles |
| 501 – 600 |
50,000 – 60,000 miles |
| 601 – 700 |
60,000 – 70,000 miles |
| 701 – 1000 |
80,000+ miles |
