Passenger vehicle tire quality has improved since last year, according to recently released ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This year, nearly 90 tire lines received the highest possible ratings for traction.
“Higher quality tires, along with good maintenance, provide consumers a greater margin of safety,” said Jeffrey Runge, NHTSA's administrator. “The tire grading system is a big help in the often-confusing process of selecting tires.” NHTSA's 2005 ratings cover more than 2,400 lines of the most popular passenger vehicle tires sold in the United States. The agency rates tires based on traction, treadwear, and their ability to resist heat.
Five tire brands (Big-O, Goodyear, Michelin, Bridgestone, and Cordovan) produce tire lines that received exceptional ratings for tread durability. This year, nearly 700 tire lines were given the highest grade for heat resistance. Temperature ratings are important because heat can increase the risk of blowout, NHTSA noted.
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