What Is the Best Traction Rating for Tires?

The best traction rating for tires under the U.S. Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) system is AA. This indicates top-tier wet braking performance on both asphalt and concrete in standardized tests. However, UTQG traction grades measure straight-line wet braking only; they don’t guarantee superior grip in snow/ice, hydroplaning resistance, or cornering, and they’re not always provided for light-truck tires.

How the UTQG Traction Grade Works

UTQG traction grades, regulated by NHTSA and shown on tire sidewalls for most passenger-car (P-metric) tires sold in the U.S., reflect wet-surface braking traction. In the test, the tire is evaluated on a wet asphalt and wet concrete surface at about 40 mph with the wheel locked (a skid trailer measures the friction). As of 2025, the top grade remains AA. This test does not assess dry grip, cornering, hydroplaning resistance, snow/ice performance, or braking with ABS modulation, so the grade is best used as a comparative indicator among similar tires.

UTQG Traction Grade Thresholds

The following list explains what each UTQG traction grade signifies in terms of measured wet friction on asphalt and concrete. The ranges below are the standardized thresholds used to assign each grade.

• AA: Wet coefficient of traction ≥0.54 on asphalt and ≥0.38 on concrete (highest grade)
• A: Wet coefficient of traction 0.47–0.53 on asphalt and 0.35–0.37 on concrete
• B: Wet coefficient of traction 0.38–0.46 on asphalt and 0.26–0.34 on concrete
• C: Below 0.38 on asphalt or below 0.26 on concrete (lowest grade)

These thresholds help shoppers quickly compare wet braking potential across passenger tires. Two different AA-rated tires can still perform differently in real-world conditions, but the category ensures a minimum level of wet braking capability on both surfaces.

When “AA” Isn’t Automatically Best for You

While AA is the highest UTQG traction grade, your ideal choice depends on climate, driving style, and vehicle type. In some cases, a tire with an A grade may outperform an AA tire for your needs—especially outside wet straight-line braking.

Consider the following scenarios to decide how much weight to give the UTQG traction grade:

• Frequent snow/ice: UTQG traction does not measure winter grip. Look for the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol on dedicated winter or all-weather tires.
• Hydroplaning risk: UTQG traction doesn’t rate resistance to standing water. Tread pattern, void ratio, and tire width matter here.
• Dry handling and braking: UTQG traction doesn’t evaluate dry grip or cornering. Ultra-high-performance tires may excel in dry conditions regardless of UTQG traction grade.
• Longevity and comfort: Some AA-rated tires may trade tread life or ride comfort for grip. Treadwear grade and owner/test data provide a fuller picture.
• Light-truck and specialty tires: Many LT-metric, off-road, and temporary spare tires are exempt from UTQG; they may not display a traction grade at all.

If your top priority is confident wet braking on paved roads, AA is ideal. If you face snow, heavy standing water, or prioritize ride and wear, balance the traction grade with other metrics.

Other Labels and Ratings to Consider

To make a well-rounded choice, combine UTQG traction with additional standards and independent testing that better align with your driving conditions.

• Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF): Indicates validated severe-snow traction; relevant for winter and true all-weather tires.
• EU Wet Grip Label (A–E): If you’re shopping European-market tires, an “A” wet grip label denotes short wet stopping distances in EU tests.
• UTQG Temperature Grade (A, B, C): Rates heat resistance at speed—useful for sustained highway driving in hot climates.
• UTQG Treadwear Grade: A relative durability index; higher numbers generally mean longer life, though test methods vary by manufacturer.
• Independent tests and reviews: Instrumented comparisons (e.g., wet/dry braking distance, lap times, hydroplaning, snow/ice testing) provide context beyond UTQG categories.

Using these complementary ratings and test data helps you match a tire’s strengths to your priorities, whether that’s wet braking, winter traction, endurance, or overall performance balance.

Practical Buying Tips

If you want maximum wet braking confidence, start with AA—but verify the tire also meets your other needs. Here’s a simple approach to choosing wisely.

1. Define conditions: Typical climate, winter exposure, and road types (urban, highway, off-pavement).
2. Set priorities: Wet braking, snow/ice capability, tread life, comfort, noise, fuel economy, price.
3. Filter candidates: Select tires with AA (or A if selection is limited) that fit your size and load/speed rating.
4. Cross-check: Look for 3PMSF for winter, EU wet grip A where applicable, and strong independent test results.
5. Verify fitment: Ensure proper load index and speed rating per the vehicle placard; avoid mixing significantly different traction grades on the same axle.

This process keeps UTQG traction in focus without overlooking key factors that affect safety, longevity, and day-to-day satisfaction.

Bottom Line

AA is the best UTQG traction rating and the right target if top-tier wet braking on paved roads is your priority. Just remember: it’s one piece of the puzzle. Pair the UTQG traction grade with winter certifications, hydroplaning performance, treadwear, temperature rating, and trusted test data to choose the tire that’s best for your specific driving.