2010 Jeep Patriot Owner's Manual - Page 476

IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 475 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES The following tire grading categories were established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The specific grade rating assigned by the tire's manufacturer in each category is shown on the sidewall of the tires on your vehicle. significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and differences in road characteristics and climate. Traction Grades The Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement, as measured under controlled conditions All passenger car tires must conform to Federal safety on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perforrequirements in addition to these grades. mance. Treadwear The Treadwear grade is a comparative rating, based on WARNING! the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not times as well on the government course as a tire graded include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the peak traction characteristics. actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart 9