Table of Contents
Advertisement
as well on the government course as a tire gra‐
ded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon
the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate
conditions.
Traction grade
& DANGER Risk of accident due to inade‐
quate traction
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests.
Always adapt your driving style and
#
drive at a speed to suit the prevailing
traffic and weather conditions.
* NOTE Damage to the drivetrain from
wheelspin
Avoid wheelspin.
#
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B and C. Those grades represent the tire's
ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified govern‐
ment test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A
tire marked C may have poor traction perform‐
ance.
Temperature grade
& WARNING Risk of accident from tire
overheating and tire failure
Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in combination,
can cause excessive heat build-up and possi‐
ble tire failure.
Observe the recommended tire pres‐
#
sure.
Regularly check the pressure of all the
#
tires.
Adjust the tire pressure, if necessary.
#
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
Wheels and tires 369
heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus‐
tained high temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels
of performance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.
DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)
US tire regulations stipulate that every tire man‐
ufacturer or retreader must imprint a TIN in or
on the side wall of each tire produced.
Advertisement
Table of Contents
