2003 Saab 9-3 Owner's Manual - Page 210

210 Car care Uniform Tire Quality Grading (US) Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example: Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A Winter tires Winter (snow) tires are recommended for winter climates where the majority of your driving will be done on snow and ice. Winter tires should be fitted to all four wheels to maintain a proper balance. Your Saab dealer can advise you of to the correct size tire for your car (if different from the original size) and also supply Saab approved winter tires pre-mounted on steel or alloy rims. Traction 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 on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance. Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate. Tire quality grading (cars sold in U.S.) New tires must be graded and labeled in accordance with new Federal regulations. Standard tests are conducted to measure performance in the areas of traction and temperature resistance. Refer to the tire sidewall for the specific quality grades of the tires provided on your new Saab. Compact spare tires are exempt. DOT QUALITY GRADES • Treadwear. • Traction AA, A, B, C. • Temperature A, B, C. All passenger car tires must conform to Federal safety requirements in addition to these grades. WARNING The traction grade assigned to a tire is based on straight-ahead braking, traction test and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.