What Is a Good Tire Traction Rating?

A good tire traction rating is “A” or “AA” under the U.S. Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) system, with “AA” being the highest for wet braking grip on asphalt and concrete. If you regularly face snow and ice, prioritize the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol over UTQG traction, as UTQG doesn’t measure winter performance.

Understanding UTQG Traction Grades

The UTQG traction grade, overseen by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), estimates a tire’s straight-line wet braking capability on standardized asphalt and concrete surfaces. It classifies tires into four grades—AA, A, B, C—based on measured coefficients of friction. This is a comparative guide within similar tire categories, not a universal performance score across every condition.

The following list explains what each UTQG traction grade means and the minimum friction thresholds measured during standardized wet tests.

• AA: Highest wet traction performance; ≥0.54 on asphalt and ≥0.38 on concrete.
• A: Strong wet traction; ≥0.47 on asphalt and ≥0.35 on concrete.
• B: Adequate wet traction; ≥0.38 on asphalt and ≥0.26 on concrete.
• C: Below B thresholds; the lowest acceptable wet traction performance.

In practice, most modern touring, performance all-season, and summer tires earn A or AA. If you drive in frequent rain or want added margin for emergency stops, aim for AA; otherwise, A typically offers solid, confidence-inspiring wet braking.

What the test does—and does not—measure

UTQG traction reflects straight-ahead wet braking only. It does not measure dry grip, cornering traction, hydroplaning resistance, snow/ice grip, ride, noise, or wear life. For winter conditions, look for the 3PMSF symbol; for heat durability, check the UTQG Temperature grade; for longevity, consider the Treadwear rating and real-world reviews.

Choosing a “Good” Rating for Your Needs

“Good” depends on your climate, driving style, and vehicle. The guidance below matches common scenarios to appropriate traction expectations.

• Mostly wet or mixed climates: Choose AA if available in your size; A is a strong second choice.
• Dry, temperate areas: A-rated tires generally suffice; prioritize handling and braking tests in reviews.
• Frequent heavy rain: Favor AA and tread patterns with strong wet evacuation; check independent wet braking tests.
• Regular snow/ice: UTQG traction is not relevant; pick winter or all-weather tires with the 3PMSF symbol.
• Performance driving: Many max-performance summer tires carry AA; confirm with instrumented tests for cornering and heat performance.
• EVs and heavy vehicles: Look for A or AA to handle higher instantaneous torque; also consider load index and noise ratings.

These choices balance standardized grading with real-world needs. When in doubt, consult comparative braking tests, as they often reveal meaningful differences between similarly graded tires.

Winter and off-road exceptions

UTQG grades usually apply to passenger (P-metric) tires. Many winter/snow (3PMSF) and some light-truck (LT-metric), off-road, or specialized tires may not carry UTQG traction grades. In those cases, prioritize 3PMSF for winter grip, and look to independent tests for snow/ice braking, off-road traction, and wet performance.

How to find your tire’s traction rating

You can verify a tire’s UTQG traction grade on the sidewall and in product specs before buying. Follow these steps to locate and interpret the rating.

1. Check the sidewall for the UTQG line (e.g., “Treadwear 600 Traction A Temperature A”).
2. Confirm the traction grade specifically (“AA,” “A,” “B,” or “C”).
3. If absent, the tire may be exempt (e.g., certain winter, LT, or off-road models); consult the manufacturer’s data sheet.
4. Compare across shortlists—use independent wet braking tests to break ties among similarly graded tires.

Finding and confirming the traction grade takes only a moment and helps you avoid overpaying for performance you may not need—or underbuying for your conditions.

Related labels that matter

Traction is one part of overall tire performance. The following labels and markers complement the UTQG traction grade when choosing the right tire.

• UTQG Temperature (A/B/C): Heat resistance at sustained high speeds; A is best.
• UTQG Treadwear (e.g., 300–800+): Relative durability under test conditions; higher generally lasts longer, but varies by brand and category.
• 3PMSF symbol: Verified severe-snow traction; essential for real winter performance and legal requirements in some regions.
• M+S marking: Indicates tread void suitable for mud and snow, but not a performance standard like 3PMSF.
• Load index and speed rating: Ensure the tire matches your vehicle’s weight and intended speeds.

Considering these labels together gives a more complete picture of how a tire will behave in your climate and driving routine.

Summary

For most drivers, a good tire traction rating is UTQG “A” or “AA,” with “AA” offering the strongest wet braking. Remember that UTQG traction covers only straight-line wet braking—not snow/ice, hydroplaning, cornering, or wear. Match the rating to your climate and use: choose AA for frequent rain, rely on 3PMSF for winter, and confirm with independent tests to ensure the tire meets your real-world needs.

Is a 500 treadwear rating good?

Yes, a 500 treadwear rating is considered good and falls into the “high” or “long-lasting” category, offering a good balance between durability and performance for everyday driving. A higher treadwear number, like 500, indicates a longer expected life compared to a lower-rated tire, though the exact number of miles depends on driving conditions and habits. 
What a 500 Treadwear Rating Means

• Longevity: It signifies that the tire is designed to last longer than tires with lower ratings, offering better value. 
• For Everyday Use: A 500 rating is excellent for daily commuting and touring vehicles, providing sufficient durability for mixed conditions. 
• Balanced Performance: It strikes a balance between good wear and adequate grip, safety, and comfort. 

Factors Influencing Actual Mileage
While the treadwear rating is a helpful guide, the actual miles you get from a tire with a 500 treadwear rating can vary due to: 

• Driving Habits: Aggressive driving, such as hard braking, acceleration, and cornering, will wear tires faster. 
• Road and Weather Conditions: Driving on rough roads or in extreme weather will impact tire life. 
• Vehicle and Maintenance: The type of vehicle, proper maintenance, and tire care also play a significant role in a tire’s longevity. 

How to Determine the Right Treadwear Rating for You

• For Performance: If you need maximum grip for sports cars or spirited driving, you might opt for a lower treadwear rating, understanding it will wear faster. 
• For Durability: For daily commuting, a 500 treadwear rating is a strong choice, prioritizing extended life and cost savings. 

Which is better tire traction, A or B?

Tire traction grade A is better than B, because the traction rating indicates a tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement, with higher grades like AA and A meaning shorter stopping distances and better grip. The ratings, which are from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. A tire with an A traction rating provides better braking performance on wet roads compared to a tire with a B rating.
 
Understanding the UTQG Traction Grade

• AA (Best): Offers the highest grip and shortest stopping distance on wet surfaces. 
• A (Good): Provides good wet traction, suitable for most standard vehicles and everyday driving. 
• B (Fair): Offers moderate grip. 
• C (Lowest): Indicates poor traction on wet roads and is rarely used for consumer vehicles, as these are typically specialized racing tires. 

Why A Is Better Than B
When you see “A” and “B” on a tire’s traction rating, an “A” indicates a tire designed for better performance and greater safety on wet roads. This means it takes a shorter distance for a vehicle to stop with an “A” rated tire compared to a “B” rated tire, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 
Factors Affecting Traction
While tire grade is important, remember that your actual tire traction depends on several factors: 

• Tire Condition: The condition of the tire (e.g., wear and tear) affects its performance. 
• Road Surface: Different road surfaces will impact traction. 
• Driving Habits: Aggressive driving can decrease a tire’s effective traction. 

Is 400 a good treadwear rating?

Yes, a 400 treadwear is generally considered a good rating, offering a good balance between tread life and performance, suitable for everyday driving and highway use. Tires with higher treadwear ratings are designed to last longer, though actual mileage depends on driving habits and road conditions. A 400 treadwear rating means the tire is expected to last twice as long as a tire with a 200 treadwear rating under the same conditions, and it’s a common rating for all-season tires, which aim to be a balanced choice for most drivers. 
What a Treadwear Rating Means

• Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) System: The 400 is part of the UTQG system, a standard set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 
• Comparative Score: It’s a relative score that compares a tire’s tread life to a base tire with a score of 100. 
• Longer Lifespan: A 400 rating means the tire is designed to last twice as long as a 200-rated tire under controlled conditions. 

Why a 400 Treadwear is Good

• Balanced Performance: A 400 treadwear rating signifies a tire that offers a solid blend of durability for longer life and enough grip and traction for safe daily driving. 
• Common for All-Season Tires: Many all-season tires, designed to meet the needs of most drivers, fall in the 400-700 treadwear range, making 400 a typical and reliable choice for a balanced tire. 
• Good for Everyday Use: Tires in this range are well-suited for everyday driving, offering longevity that can last multiple years, according to Thomas Nissan and NeoTires. 

Factors That Influence Actual Treadwear

• Driving Habits: Aggressive driving, such as hard braking or rapid acceleration, can significantly reduce tire life, according to Discount Tire. 
• Road Conditions: Driving on poor roads or uneven surfaces can wear down the tread more quickly, notes Discount Tire. 
• Maintenance: Proper tire inflation and regular tire rotations are essential to maximize tread life. 
• Climate: Different climates can impact tire wear. 

What is a good traction rating for tires?

What is a traction tire rating? A traction grade tells you how well your tire can stop in wet conditions. The highest traction grade is AA, followed by A, B, and C. Tires with an ‘AA’ traction rating should stop at a much shorter distance than a tire with a ‘C’ rating.