Tires are required to carry a UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) rating on their sidewall — a three-part number and letter code that includes treadwear, traction, and temperature grades. Here is how to read it and what it actually means.
The UTQG treadwear number
The treadwear number is a comparative rating — not a mileage guarantee. A tire rated 500 should last roughly five times longer than a reference tire rated 100.
Common treadwear ratings: 100–200 (track and performance tires, very short life), 300–400 (performance and entry-level tires), 500–600 (quality all-season tires), 700–800 (premium touring tires, very long life), 900+ (ultra-long-life highway tires).
In practice: a 600 UTQG tire might last 50,000 miles, and an 800 UTQG tire 70,000 miles — but real-world mileage varies based on driving style, vehicle, inflation, alignment, and rotation habits.
UTQG traction grades
The traction grade (AA, A, B, or C) indicates wet road stopping distance performance, measured under controlled test conditions.
AA: best wet braking. A: good wet braking (most quality all-season tires). B: acceptable. C: marginally acceptable (rarely seen on modern tires).
This grade does not measure hydroplaning resistance, dry traction, or snow traction — only wet straight-line stopping.
UTQG temperature grades
The temperature grade (A, B, or C) indicates the tire's resistance to heat buildup at high speeds.
A: capable of sustained speeds over 115 mph. B: 100–115 mph. C: 85–100 mph.
All tires sold in the US are required to meet at least grade C. Most modern passenger tires are grade A or B.
The limitations of UTQG
Treadwear numbers are determined by the tire manufacturer on their own test vehicles — not by an independent standard. There is no government testing or certification. This means a 600-rated tire from one manufacturer may not outlast a 500-rated tire from another.
The system is most useful for comparing tires within the same manufacturer's lineup. Cross-brand comparisons using only UTQG numbers are less reliable.
For real-world longevity data, third-party sources (tire review sites, owner reports, Consumer Reports) are more reliable than the UTQG number alone.
Frequently asked
Is a higher treadwear rating always better?
Higher treadwear means longer tire life — but it usually comes with trade-offs in grip. A tire with a 700 treadwear rating typically uses a harder compound that does not grip as well as a 400-rated tire. Performance tires intentionally sacrifice treadwear for grip. For a daily driver where longevity matters more than maximum grip, higher treadwear is better.
What is a good treadwear rating for everyday driving?
For a daily commuter or family vehicle: 500–700 UTQG treadwear is the practical sweet spot — long life without sacrificing wet traction. The Michelin Defender2 (700+ treadwear) and Continental DWS06 (560 treadwear) are examples at the durable end of the spectrum.
Does treadwear rating affect the mileage warranty?
Indirectly. Manufacturers use their UTQG testing to inform their mileage warranties, but the warranty is separate. A tire with a 600 treadwear rating might carry a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty — or not. Verify the actual warranty in the product specifications.
Where do I find the UTQG rating on my tire?
On the sidewall, near the DOT number. It reads something like: TREADWEAR 560 TRACTION A TEMPERATURE A. The three numbers and letters are always in that order.
Keep reading
Last updated 2026-06-27. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.