Following on from our previous look at sidewall coding, we now describe other important markings on radial tyres along with crossply tyre sidewall markings. All radial tyres display temperature, traction and tread wear ratings. The temperature rating indicates the tyres ability to withstand heat build-up. 'A' is the best and 'C' is the worst. The traction rating indicates the tyre's ability to stop on wet paving. 'AA' is the best and 'C' is the lowest. Tread wear rating, is purely a comparative rating for the useful working life of the tyre. This is purely an arbitrary figure. However, a tyre with a rating of 200 could be expected to have twice the useful life as a tyre rated at 100. Tread wear grades range from 60 to 600, in 20-point increments. Remember, this does not indicate the actual useful life of the tyre. As we well know, tyre life is affected by many factors, including road surface, driving style and inflation pressure to list just a few.
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