NHTSA announces tire safety ratings

Washington, D.C. – Passenger vehicle tire quality has improved since last year, according to ratings released yesterday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The agency’s 2005 ratings cover more than 2,400 lines of the most popular passenger vehicle tires sold in the U.S. The agency rates tires based on traction, tread wear and their ability to resist heat.

This year, nearly 90 tire lines received the highest possible rating for traction. As well, Big-O, Michelin, Bridgestone and Cordovan produced tire lines that received exceptional ratings for tread durability, and nearly 700 tire lines were given the highest grade for heat resistance.

A full list of ratings can be found at www.safercar.gov.