UTQG Temperature Rating: What A, B and C Grades Mean

What Is the UTQG Temperature Grade?

The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) system is a federal consumer information program. It requires manufacturers to assign grades to three tire performance areas: treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance. The temperature grade specifically reflects how well a tire handles the heat generated during sustained high-speed operation. This system is established under 49 CFR 575.104, which states that its purpose is to aid the consumer in making an informed choice when purchasing passenger car tires.

Each tire covered by the regulation must display its grades on the sidewall. The temperature grade is one of the three required grades, and it appears as a single letter: A, B, or C. The regulation specifies that the grade must be permanently molded into the tire sidewall, along with the other UTQG grades. This labeling is part of the tire sidewall markings you can read on any new passenger tire.

The Grade Scale: A, B, and C

The UTQG temperature grades are limited to the letters A, B, and C. According to the regulation, the temperature resistance grade must be circled in an array of these three potential letters on the tire label. This visual presentation makes it easy to identify which grade a tire carries. The letters are not arbitrary; each grade corresponds to a performance threshold that the tire must meet.

The regulation does not list specific speed or temperature values for each grade, but it requires that each tire be able to achieve the level of performance represented by the grade with which it is labeled. In practice, A is the highest grade and represents superior heat dissipation, while C represents the minimum acceptable level for highway use. Most all-season and summer tires fall into the A or B categories.

When comparing tires, you can also look at treadwear ratings and traction grades to get a full picture. The temperature grade tells you about heat resistance, but it works together with other UTQG grades to describe overall performance.

Regulatory Requirements and Exemptions

The UTQG temperature grading is required for new pneumatic radial tires for light vehicles. However, the rule explicitly excludes certain tire types. According to the regulation, it does not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim diameters of 12 inches or less, or limited production tires. This means that many winter tires and temporary spares do not have a UTQG temperature grade, so you cannot compare them on this measure.

For tires that do carry the grade, the information must be provided both on the sidewall and on a label affixed to the tread surface. The label includes an explanation of the DOT quality grades, as specified by the regulation. If you are looking at a tire that is exempt, such as a snow tire, you may need to rely on other indicators like the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol instead.

Why the Temperature Grade Matters

The temperature grade gives you a comparative measure of how well a tire can withstand heat buildup. Heat is a major factor in tire performance, especially at highway speeds and under heavy loads. A tire with a higher grade is designed to run cooler and resist heat-induced degradation. While the UTQG does not define a specific test speed, the relative ranking across A, B, and C allows you to compare tires from different brands on an equal basis.

When you drive regularly at 65 mph or faster, or in hot climates, a temperature grade of A or B provides extra confidence. For urban driving at moderate speeds, a C grade may still be safe, but it indicates less thermal margin. Always pair the temperature grade with other specifications such as speed rating and load index for a complete picture.

The UTQG system is also designed to help you research before you buy. Our tire UTQG treadwear research explains how to interpret the numbers, and the temperature grade is one more data point to weigh.

How to Use the Temperature Grade When Buying Tires

When shopping for tires, check the UTQG temperature grade on the sidewall or the label. If you prioritize highway safety and long-distance driving, look for an A grade. If you have a mix of city and highway driving, a B grade is often a good balance. For performance-oriented vehicles, combine a high temperature grade with an appropriate speed rating.

Remember that the temperature grade is just one of three UTQG components. The treadwear grade and traction grade are equally important, depending on your needs. Use them together to narrow down your options, then consult the tire's overall spec sheet for construction, load range, and other details.

Here are some quick tips for using the temperature grade:

Check the sidewall for the circled letter.

Compare only tires that carry the UTQG grade; winter tires may not have one.

Consider your driving environment: high speeds and heat favor A or B.

Don't overlook the traction and treadwear grades when making your choice.

What to pick for your use

Questions

What is the UTQG temperature grade?

It is a letter grade from A to C that indicates a tire's resistance to heat buildup during high-speed driving. It is part of the Uniform Tire Quality Grading system required for passenger car tires.

How is it different from the traction grade?

The traction grade assesses braking grip on wet surfaces, while the temperature grade assesses heat resistance. Both are separate UTQG categories with their own tests and scales.

Are all tires required to have a temperature grade?

No. Winter tires, temporary spare tires, and some other specialty tires are exempt from UTQG labeling, so you may not see a temperature grade on those products.

Why do some winter tires not have a temperature grade?

The regulation excludes deep tread winter-type snow tires from the UTQG requirement. These tires focus on cold-weather traction, and the heat resistance test is not applicable to them.

Can I rely on the temperature grade alone?

No. The temperature grade should be considered alongside the traction grade, treadwear grade, load index, and speed rating. Your driving conditions and vehicle type are also important factors.

Where can I find the temperature grade on a tire?

It is permanently molded into the sidewall of the tire, usually near the other UTQG grades. Look for a circled letter A, B, or C next to the word TEMPERATURE.