U.T.Q.G. (Uniform Tire Quality Grading)
UTQG ratings measure a tyre's performance based on test results in three categories and allow you to better select your tyres. The tests are carried out under strict conditions (on test tracks) and their results are informative. The UTQG ratings are branded into a tyre's sidewall. (See the example below: 420-A-A).
Treadwear
The treadware index represents how quickly a tyre becomes worn. This index is obtained by a test conducted on a test track over a distance of 6000 miles (9600 km), under controlled conditions. This index is between 60 and 620, with 100 as the reference standard. For example, a tyre with a treadware index of 50 will wear 2 times faster than a normal tyre whereas a tyre with a treadwear index of 420 will wear 4.2 times more slowly.
REMEMBER: The higher the treadware index, the longer the life of the tyre.
Traction
The traction index represents a tyre's grip on wet roads. This index is indicated by the letters AA (highest index), A, B, C (lowest index). C is the lowest acceptable rating.
REMEMBER: The higher the traction index, the shorter the braking distance.
The traction index corresponds to tyre grip on wet roads along a straightaway!
Temperature
The temperature index represents a tyre's temperature resistance and its ability to dissipate heat. This index is obtained by a laboratory test using a test wheel. Excessive heat can cause tyre degradation. This index is indicated by the letters A (highest index), B, and C (lowest index). By law, C is the lowest acceptable rating.
REMEMBER: The temperature index "A" means that a tyre has good temperature resistance.
The temperature index applies to properly inflated tyres (neither underinflated nor overinflated) used in "normal" conditions (without excessive speed or load).