US UTQG Ratings Explained
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In short
UTQG prints three gradings on US-market tyres: a treadwear number versus a reference tyre, a wet traction grade (AA–C) and a temperature grade (A–C).
The three UTQG numbers
| Rating | Scale | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Treadwear | Number (e.g. 400) | Wear rate versus a reference tyre rated 100 — higher lasts longer, but only comparable within a brand |
| Traction | AA, A, B, C | Straight-line wet braking grip |
| Temperature | A, B, C | Heat resistance at speed |
UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) is a US standard printed on the sidewall of most car tyres sold in the States. Winter tyres and some others are exempt.
Tyre Owner Essentials
Reading UTQG sensibly
Treadwear numbers are self-certified by manufacturers against their own reference, so a 500 from one brand is not automatically longer-lived than a 460 from another. Traction AA/A and Temperature A are worth treating as a floor for everyday driving. For European buyers, the EU tyre label is the nearer equivalent.
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FAQ
What is a good UTQG treadwear rating?
For everyday tyres, 400+ suggests good longevity; performance tyres commonly run 200–300 and track-focused tyres lower still. Compare within a brand, not across brands.
Is UTQG used in the UK?
The markings appear on many tyres sold worldwide, but Europe relies on the EU tyre label instead. Use UTQG as supporting information only.
Related pages on this site
Last updated:
Data: computed reference values (ETRTO tyre-size arithmetic), build date 22 July 2026. Reference only — always follow your vehicle manufacturer's placard or handbook.