Many of us do not realize how important our tires are for the overall performance and safety of our vehicle. When it comes time to purchase new tires, the various options can be overwhelming. Each brand has its own ratings and features and the prices vary among styles and manufacturers. Before buying, take some time to research and comparison shop so that you get the best tires for your car.
The Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards (UTQGS) gives consumers useful information about passenger tires. These standards were created to help consumers make informed decisions when choosing tires for their vehicles. The UTQGS outline grading conditions and labeling requirements that indicate the relative performance of tires in these three categories:
- Treadwear: The wear rate of a tire.
- Traction: A tire’s ability to stop in wet conditions.
- Temperature resistance: A tire’s resistance to heat and its ability to dissipate heat.
Keep in mind that the UTQCS is not a safety rating. It will not guarantee the life of a tire. It is simply a tool you can use to narrow down your choices when purchasing new tires.
Treadwear: The tread is the part of the tire that comes in contact with the road. Tire tread is essential for maintaining traction while driving. The visible grooves that you see on your tires allow water to be channeled from beneath the tires in an effort to prevent hydroplaning. Manufacturers grade tires based on the wear and tear of the tread. Those with higher grades tend to last longer.
As time goes by and you put miles on your vehicle, the tread on your tires begins to wear away. Problems with your wheel alignment and improper inflation can cause your tire tread to wear unevenly. Without proper tread, your tires are unable to grip the road effectively. This may be especially noticeable when driving in rain. Check your tire tread routinely to ensure that it is in good condition.
Traction: One of the biggest concerns when purchasing new tires is how they will handle in adverse weather conditions. Often, the type of tires you buy will largely depend on what kind of climate you live in. All-weather tires are good for most driving conditions, including wet, snowy, and dry roads. These tires can be used all year long and provide good traction and control no matter what the road conditions.
Individuals who live in colder regions may choose winter tires that are designed to provide traction and control in snow, ice, and cold weather conditions. Winter tires have special tread compounds and tread designs that allow drivers to maintain control while driving and stopping in bad weather. The added safety and performance of these tires gives drivers in cold climates peace of mind knowing that they have the proper equipment to travel where they need to go.
Temperature Resistance: We depend on our tires to get us where we need to go safely and efficiently. If a tire is unable to withstand high temperatures, it will not be able to run at high speeds for long periods of time. A tire must be able to resist and dissipate heat to prevent damage. All tires sold in the US must earn at least a “C” grade. This means that the tire is able to withstand speeds up to 85 mph without failure.
While the UTQGS is a valuable tool for consumers, these standards can be a bit confusing. Work with a tire professional who can make recommendations for your specific vehicle. Tire choices can be complex and with so many options available, it is easy to feel overwhelmed when tire shopping.
Carmine’s Import Service sells and services tires for all types of foreign imports. Centrally located in Kernersville, NC we are a short drive from Greensboro, High Point, and Winston Salem. Contact us today to find out more or to schedule an appointment.