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well on the government course as a tire graded
100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon
the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to var-
iations in driving habits, service practices and dif-
ferences in road characteristics and climate.
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 performance.
Temperature grade
& WARNING Risk of accident from tire over-
heating 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 pressure.
#
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 heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
Wheels and tires 359
high temperature can cause the material of the
tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and exces-
sive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of perform-
ance 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 manu-
facturer or retreader must imprint a TIN in or on
the side wall of each tire produced.
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