Overview of Tire Quality GradingStandards
The Uniform Tire Quality Grading is a U.S.
Government requirement. Their purpose is to provide drivers with consistent and reliable information regarding tire performance. Tire manufacturers are required to grade tires using three performance factors: tread wear 1, tire traction 2, and temperature resistance 3. Although not a Government of Canada requirement, all tires made for sale in North America have these grades branded on the sidewall.
The actual values for tires are vehiclespecific
and may deviate from the values in
the illustration.
Where applicable, the tire grading information can be found on the tire sidewall between the tread shoulder and maximum tire width.
For example:
All passenger car tires must conform to the statutory safety requirements in addition to these grades.
See also:
Cleaning the wheels
WARNING
Do not use power washers with circular-jet
nozzles (dirt grinders) to clean your vehicle, in
particular the tires. You could otherwise
damage the tires and cause an accident. ...
Important safety notes
WARNING
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent ...
Bead
The tire bead ensures that the tire sits
securely on the wheel. There are several steel
wires in the bead to prevent the tire from
coming loose from the wheel rim. ...