UTQG stands for Uniform Tire Quality Grading. It is a standard, primarily used in the United States, that provides consumers with information about the performance and quality of a tire. UTQG is usually printed on the sidewall of a tire and consists of three different ratings: Treadwear, Traction, and Temperature.
The Treadwear rating represents the anticipated life expectancy of the tire's tread. It is a numerical grade that indicates the tire's ability to resist wear compared to a reference tire. The higher the number, the longer the tread is expected to last.
The Traction rating measures the tire's ability to stop on wet surfaces. The rating is categorized from highest to lowest as AA, A, B, and C. AA represents the best wet traction performance, while C indicates the least efficient stopping ability on wet roads.
The Temperature rating evaluates the tire's ability to dissipate heat for prolonged periods. This rating is also categorized from highest to lowest as A, B, and C. It signifies the tire's resistance to heat buildup and its ability to withstand high-speed conditions.
While the UTQG rating system provides valuable information about a tire's performance, it should not be the sole criterion for selecting tires. It is essential to consider other factors, such as driving style, road conditions, and specific vehicle requirements, to make an informed tire purchase decision.
