What does 3T on tires mean?
2 Answers
The 3T marking on tires refers to the Treadwear Index, Traction Index, and Temperature Index. The Treadwear Index indicates the tire's wear resistance—the higher the number, the more wear-resistant the tire is, but the harder the rubber becomes, resulting in reduced comfort. Conversely, a lower number means less wear resistance, softer rubber, and better comfort. Below are the specific details of the 3T indicators: 1. TREADWEAR (Wear Resistance Index). The higher the number following this, the more wear-resistant the tire is. For typical family sedans, the number is usually above 300, indicating relatively high wear resistance. Performance tires with superior grip, however, often have numbers below 200. 2. TRACTION (Traction Ability). The Traction Index measures the tire's grip performance on wet surfaces, categorized into four grades: AA, A, B, and C. 3. TEMPERATURE (Temperature Index). The Temperature Index grade reflects the tire's heat dissipation capability.
I've been working with tires for almost a decade, and the 3T indicators printed on the tire sidewall are definitely not just for show. The higher the TREADWEAR number, the more durable the tire is. Take the 420-rated tire on my car as an example—it can easily last 70,000 to 80,000 kilometers. The middle TRACTION rating is crucial; if you see AA or A grade, consider yourself lucky, especially for its excellent wet-road grip. The last one, TEMPERATURE, indicates heat resistance—those who frequently drive on highways should pay close attention. A B grade is passable, but an A grade offers more peace of mind. Just the other day, a young mechanic asked me how to interpret these values. Honestly, comparing these ratings when choosing tires gives you a solid idea of their performance.
