Understanding UTQG Ratings UTQG, or Uniform Tire Quality Grading, is a standard established by the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is a branch of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The grading includes three categories: Treadwear (how long a tire lasts), Traction (braking on wet roads) and Temperature (heat resistance), and provides simple comparisons to help you choose tires that are best-suited for your driving habits.
Where to Locate a UTQG Rating and What It Means The UTQG rating is on a tire's sidewall and features number and letter grades. The number is the treadwear grade, and the letters are the traction and temperature grades.
TREADWEAR grades tire wear. For example, if a tire's grade is 150, it lasts 1.5 times longer than a grade 100 tire in controlled conditions. Real-world tire wear can differ due to driving habits and road features, climate, and service routines.
TRACTION rates wet braking potential. Traction grades from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. Grades indicate stopping ability of tire on a wet surface, but does not represent traction capability on ice or snow surfaces.
TEMPERATURE grades heat resistance potential. The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, which represents the tire's ability to effectively dissipate heat at high speeds.
Remember:

• Manufacturers assign UTQG grades, not the government.
• All passenger car tires must comply with applicable laws in addition to these grades.
• Use UTQG grades only to compare tires within, but NOT among, brands.
• UTQG grades don't predict mileage or overall quality.
• UTQG isn't a safety measure.
• Tire selection based on only UTQG ratings may not satisfy your driving needs.
• One tire brand cannot be considered superior to another brand based solely on UTQG grades.
• UTQG grades are not required for snow tires, light truck tires and maximum traction tires.
• UTQG grades are not mandatory in Canada.