The following tire grading categories were established bythe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Thespecific grade rating assigned by the tire’s manufacturerin each category is shown on the sidewall of the tires onyour vehicle.

All passenger car tires must conform to Federal safetyrequirements in addition to these grades.

Treadwear

The Treadwear grade is a comparative rating, based onthe wear rate of the tire when tested under controlledconditions on a specified government test course. Forexample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-halftimes as well on the government course as a tire graded100. The relative performance of tires depends upon theactual conditions of their use, however, and may departsignificantly from the norm due to variations in drivinghabits, service practices, and differences in road characteristicsand climate.

Traction Grades

The Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,and C. These grades represent the tire’s ability to stop onwet pavement, as measured under controlled conditionson specified government test surfaces of asphalt andconcrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.

WARNING:

The traction grade assigned to this tire is based onstraight-ahead braking traction tests, and does notinclude acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, orpeak traction characteristics.

Temperature Grades

The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heatand its ability to dissipate heat, when tested undercontrolled conditions on a specified indoor laboratorytest wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause thematerial of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, andexcessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. Thegrade C corresponds to a level of performance, which allpassenger car tires must meet under the Federal MotorVehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A representhigher levels of performance on the laboratory testwheel, than the minimum required by law.

WARNING:

Excessive speed, under-inflation, or excessive loading,either separately or in combination, can causeheat buildup and possible tire failure.