Did you know that tires have a temperature rating? It is true. Every tire you purchase comes with a temperature rating of A, B or C.
A tire’s temperature rating is basically the tire's measurement of its resistance to heat generation (created by the friction of the tire running on a surface like a road), while you are driving. Basically, the higher the letter speed rating the better it will manage heat while driving at faster speeds. Tire temperature ratings are standard worldwide and are only earned in carefully controlled testing environments that are also standard throughout the world.
The standards that have been put in place to ensure tire consistency worldwide are called UTQG – Uniform Tire Quality Grading – and were created originally by the US Department of Transportation, and have since been put into use around the world, to ensure that no matter what tire brand you choose to purchase, or where you purchase it, you can read the information on the tire sidewall and immediately know all the specifications that tire has met.
Tire Temperature Ratings are directly related to Heat Resistance
Simply put, the tire temperature rating is the tire’s heat resistance. To explain further, the heat generated by a tire is one of the primary reasons the rubber compound in the tire breaks down over time.
So, the higher a tire’s temperature rating – A being the highest – means the rubber compound that makes up this tire has been designed to disperse heat more quickly, meaning this tire should last longer than a tire with a temperature rating of C. However, it stands to reason that tires that are rated A for temperature, may be slightly more expensive than those at a lower rating.
Speed Rating and Temperature Rating Connection
There is also a speed rating associated with each tire temperature rating. So, for a tire rated A, these tires have been tested to effectively dissipate heat up to a maximum speed of between 100 mph to 115 mph. Here is how the different tire temperature ratings have been tested at various speeds.
- Temperature rating – Tested to effectively remove heat up to speeds over 115 mph
- Rating - Tested at speeds of 100 mph to 115 mph
- – Tested to disperse heat build up at speeds of between 85 mph to 100 mph
How Important is Temperature Rating on Tires?
If you are looking to have tire temperature ratings explained, then it’s important to note that tire temperature ratings are directly connected to the expected longevity of your tire tread. Tires with a higher temperature rating – like an A-rated tire -- are designed to reduce the amount of heat generated in the tire compound, thus ensuring that the tire tread lasts longer.
So, if you are in the market for new tires, and you need to have tire temperature ratings explained, then we have gathered the best information for you from our team of tire experts at blackcircles.ca, and are sharing it with you here.
Does it matter what the tire temperature rating is on my tires?
If you are researching what the best tires are for your vehicle and your driving habits, and you want the best value, plus longevity of your tire tread wear, then understanding tire temperature rating is important. For most regular drivers, a temperature rating of B is a good standard average choice. The temperature B tires meaning is that the compound in this tire has been strictly tested in lab conditions to effectively remove heat at speeds of between 100 and 115 mph. Of course, it is highly unlikely that an average driver will be driving at these speeds, but it is important to know that your tire has been tested under these conditions.
In most cases, a B temperature rating will be sufficient for most drivers, under regular, average driving conditions. Of course, if you still have questions about tire temperature ratings, and need more information on what choice of tire to buy for your vehicle, then it’s best to turn to an expert in tires, like the team at blackcircles.ca. Our friendly and experienced team is available by phone, online chat or email to answer all of your questions about tires, and to ensure that you are 100 percent satisfied with your tire choice.
