Understanding tire traction rating is an essential aspect of choosing the right tires for your vehicle. It is a useful tool that allows you to compare and contrast the performance of different tires. We’ll take a closer look at the tire traction rating chart and how to use it to make the purchasing process easier.

What Is Tire Traction Rating? Where To Find It?

Tire traction ratings are measures of a tire’s ability to grip the road. This means the controllability and braking capability of a tire are influenced by its traction grade.

Particularly, it indicates the tire model’s ability to stop on a wet driving surface, such as a road that’s been rained on. The rating system uses letters, with AA being the highest and C being the lowest. The higher the rating, the better the performance tire to grip the road surface.

Tire traction rating is important because it can affect your vehicle’s overall safety. Tires with a higher extra traction rating are less likely to skid or slide on a wet surface, which means you’ll have better control over your vehicle. This is especially important in wet or slippery road conditions, as it can reduce your risk of an accident.

So where can you find your tire’s traction rating? The rating is usually printed on the tire sidewall, along with other important information like the size, load index, temperature grade, and speed rating. Look for a series of letters that indicate the tire grading. For example, seeing AA means this type of tire has the highest traction rating.

On some tires, this specification will be marked with the “Traction” term, so it’s easier to spot the rating.

Tire Traction Rating Chart

Charts for tire ratings can become quite intricate, especially when specialists factor in things like concrete and asphalt G-force. Gravitational force or acceleration, depending on the context, is referred to as G force.

The average passenger car owner and tire shopper don’t really need to grasp the science and math behind G force. All they need to know is that a tire is “safer” and will stop more quickly if its rating is higher.

Traction Grade	Rating	Asphalt G-Force	Concrete G-Force
AA	Best	Above 0.54	0.38
A	Great	Above 0.47	0.35
B	Good	Above 0.38	0.26
C	Poor	Under 0.38	0.26

What Is A Good Tire Traction Rating?

Generally, a tire with traction AA vs A is considered to have good traction. These tires are designed to provide excellent grip on wet pavement, which can help you maintain control of your vehicle and reduce your risk of accidents. Tires rated “B” or “C” may still provide adequate traction, but they may not perform as well in wet conditions.

We live in Florida with a high rainfall in the monsoon season. So when the rainy months come, we have to switch to an AA tire set. But, you know, summer in Florida is super scorching and dry, so a tire set with an A rating will suffice.

Difference Between Tire Traction Rating A Vs B

The difference between an “A” and a “B” traction comparative rating can come down to the tire’s tread design and the rubber compound used.

Tire traction rating A typically has a tread design that allows for better water evacuation, which means they can maintain good contact with the road even in extreme weather conditions. These tires also tend to have a softer rubber compound, providing better grip on the road.

Tire traction rating B may still have a good tread design but may not be as effective at diverting water out of the tread. The rubber compound used in these tires may also be firmer, which can reduce grip on the road. This can result in a longer stopping distance and reduced control over your vehicle in wet conditions.

In fact, 77% of American drivers choose tires with an A rating, while that number of the B rating is only 7%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Higher Treadwear Better?

No, a higher treadwear grade is not necessarily better. While a higher tire treadwear rating can indicate longer lasting time, it may also mean that the tire sacrifices grip and handling performance in favor of durability.

How Long Will A 400 Treadwear Tire Last?

A tire with a 400 tread life is expected to last longer than a tire with a lower rating, which is around 40,000 to 60,000 miles before needing replacement. However, the actual tire life expectancy depends on various external factors, such as driving habits, driving conditions, and alignment maintenance.

Is 500 A Good Treadwear Rating?

Yes, a 500 treadwear rating is generally considered to be a good tire code. Tires with this range are designed to last longer than tires with lower ratings, which means they can offer good value for money.

The Bottom Line

As mentioned above, a tire traction rating chart is an invaluable tool that can aid in your decision-making and make you a wise customer.

Still, remember to consider other factors, such as actual speed capability, heat durability, safety rating, air pressure capacity, and load index, when having tire purchase decisions. Also, always consult a professional if you’re unsure which tires are right for your vehicle.