Tire Traction Grades A vs. B: What They Mean and How to Choose

Traction “A” and “B” are Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) ratings that indicate a tire’s wet braking performance; “A” provides stronger wet stopping capability than “B,” which meets minimum standards but will generally require longer stopping distances on wet pavement. These grades, set by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), help drivers compare how well passenger-car tires can stop in the wet, though they don’t cover dry grip, snow/ice traction, or hydroplaning resistance.

What the UTQG Traction Grade Measures

The UTQG traction grade is a lab-based metric of a tire’s ability to stop on wet asphalt and wet concrete. It’s determined using a standardized locked-wheel test at 40 mph on government-specified surfaces, recording the tire’s coefficient of friction. The result is categorized into letter grades—AA, A, B, or C—printed on the tire’s sidewall to help consumers compare wet braking performance across passenger-car tires.

Traction Grade Thresholds

The following list outlines the minimum wet-surface friction levels associated with each UTQG traction grade, measured as coefficients of friction on standardized wet asphalt and concrete test surfaces.

• AA: ≥ 0.54 (asphalt) and ≥ 0.38 (concrete) — highest wet braking performance.
• A: ≥ 0.47 (asphalt) and ≥ 0.35 (concrete) — strong wet braking performance.
• B: ≥ 0.38 (asphalt) and ≥ 0.26 (concrete) — acceptable but lower wet braking performance.
• C: Below the B thresholds on either surface — lowest wet braking performance allowed for labeled passenger tires.

These cutoffs show that an “A” tire must deliver materially more wet grip than a “B” tire, while “AA” sits at the top for wet braking. A “C” grade indicates performance below “B” on at least one surface.

A vs. B in Real-World Terms

Because UTQG traction grades reflect wet braking, an “A” tire typically stops shorter than a “B” tire on wet roads—sometimes by a meaningful margin. The difference stems from higher measured friction on both wet asphalt and concrete. In practice, variables like vehicle weight, ABS, tire size, tread design, and road conditions affect actual stopping distances, but the grade provides a useful apples-to-apples indicator: if wet stopping confidence matters, an A (or AA) grade is the safer bet than B.

What the Traction Grade Does Not Cover

It’s important to know the limits of the UTQG traction label so you don’t overinterpret what “A” or “B” means for overall tire performance.

• Not a measure of dry grip or cornering performance.
• Does not indicate hydroplaning resistance, ice/snow traction, or off-road performance.
• Separate from UTQG temperature and treadwear grades (also shown on the sidewall).
• Not required for certain tire types, including many light-truck (LT) tires, dedicated winter/snow tires, deep-tread tires, and temporary spares.
• Does not replace winter performance symbols; for snow/ice, look for the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) marking.

Taken together, the traction grade is one piece of the puzzle focused on wet braking; it should be weighed alongside other specs and intended use.

How to Find the Traction Grade on Your Tire

Manufacturers typically mold UTQG information into the sidewall so you can check it at a glance.

• Look for a line reading similar to: “TREADWEAR 500 TRACTION A TEMPERATURE A.”
• The traction letter will be one of: AA, A, B, or C.
• You can also find the grade on product pages, spec sheets, and retailer listings.

If the tire lacks a UTQG traction grade, it may be a category that’s exempt from UTQG labeling (e.g., many LT or dedicated winter tires), so consult the manufacturer’s documentation for performance guidance.

Which Should You Choose?

If you frequently drive in rain or value shorter wet stopping distances, prioritize tires with traction grade AA or A. A “B” grade can be acceptable for budget-focused or dry-climate driving, but expect comparatively longer wet braking. Always balance traction with other needs—treadwear for longevity, temperature rating for high-speed durability, load and speed ratings for vehicle requirements, noise, comfort, and, in winter regions, 3PMSF-rated winter tires or capable all-weather options.

Summary

Traction “A” vs. “B” refers to the UTQG wet braking grade: “A” delivers stronger wet stopping performance than “B,” while “AA” is best and “C” is lowest. The grade is based on standardized wet asphalt and concrete tests and should be considered alongside other tire characteristics and your local driving conditions.

What does a and b mean on tires?

These ratings are indicative of a tire’s capability to withstand heat generated during operation, which directly impacts performance and longevity. Tires rated with an A signify superior heat resistance, while those rated B indicate a moderate level of heat tolerance.

What is traction grade A?

TRACTION – AA, A, B and C: The traction grades from highest to lowest are AA, A, B and C and they represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
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Is tire traction A or B better?

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. 

What is the difference between tire temperature rating A and B?

A tire’s temperature rating indicates its resistance to heat generated during driving, with an A rating signifying superior heat dissipation at speeds above 115 mph, while a B rating indicates effective heat resistance at speeds between 100 and 115 mph. An ‘A’ is the highest grade and suggests the tire can handle more extreme heat from high-speed driving compared to a ‘B’, which is suitable for moderate to high-speed driving conditions.
 
What the Ratings Mean

• A Rating: The tire can effectively withstand heat generated at speeds over 115 mph. 
• B Rating: The tire is tested to withstand heat generated at speeds between 100 to 115 mph. 
• C Rating: The tire resists heat at speeds between 85 and 100 mph. 

Key Differences

• Performance: An ‘A’ rated tire is designed for higher performance and can dissipate heat more effectively under more demanding conditions than a ‘B’ rated tire. 
• Speed: The core difference lies in the speed at which each tire is tested and performs optimally in terms of heat resistance. 
• Safety: A tire’s temperature rating is crucial because excessive heat can lead to tire deterioration and potential blowouts. 

When to Use Each Rating

• Choose ‘A’ if: Opens in new tabYou frequently drive at very high speeds or live in a very hot climate where your tires can generate a lot of heat. 
• Choose ‘B’ if: Opens in new tabYou drive at moderate to high speeds but generally not above 115 mph, making a ‘B’ rating sufficient for most standard driving conditions.