Treadwear Rate

Treadwear is a number that tells you how long a tire should last. It’s like a durability score; higher numbers mean the tire lasts longer. A tire rated 400 should last about twice as long as one rated 200.

This rating comes from the Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) system, a standardized test developed by the U.S Department of Transportation to help you compare tires fairly across different brands.

400 mi Loop

Tires are tested in a convoy loop on a 400-mile course in West Texas

7,200 mi Total

Each tire runs for 7,200 miles with regular alignment and air pressure checks.

Rotated Every 800 mi

Tires are systematically rotated through testing to ensure even wear.

6-Point Measurement

Tread depth is measured at specific groove locations to track wear pattern.

Explore Treadwear Grades

Drag the slider to see what different treadwear numbers mean. Grades are expressed in multiples of 20.

420

420-500 (High Mileage)

These tires prioritize longevity and fuel efficiency. They’re designed for commuters and cost-conscious drivers who value getting maximum miles from their tires. Typically rated for 70,000-80,000+ miles

Important Considerations

The treadwear rating is relative, not absolute. A 400-rated tire from one manufacturer may not last exactly the same as a 400-rated tire from another. Additionally, aggressive driving habits, improper inflation, misalignment, and harsh conditions can dramatically shorten a tire’s actual lifespan, regardless of its rating.

Higher numbers mean longer tread life but usually come with trade-offs in grip, especially in wet conditions or cold weather. Lower numbers indicate softer compounds that provide better traction but wear out faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the treadwear rating?

The treadwear rating is a numerical grade that indicates how long a tire’s tread is expected to last compared to a baseline reference tire rated at 100. Higher ratings indicate longer tread life, such as in touring tires, while performance tires typically rate lower, trading longevity for better grip.

What does treadwear 500 mean?

A treadwear rating of 500 means that the tire is expected to last five times longer than the baseline reference tire rated at 100. It indicates above-average tread life, making it a solid choice for everyday driving. This rating is most commonly found on grand touring and highway tires, offering a good balance between longevity and performance.

How does treadwear rating affect tire selection?

Treadwear rating indicates a tire’s expected longevity, with a higher number indicating the tire lasts longer than with lower numbers. This rating guide selection by balancing durability against grip, daily drivers should prioritize higher numbers for longevity, while performance vehicles select lower ratings for better traction.

Is higher treadwear better?

A higher treadwear rating generally means longer tread life, but it is not always the better choice for every driver. Tires with higher ratings are ideal for daily commuters and highway drivers who prioritize durability and value. However, higher treadwear tires often use a harder rubber compound that can reduce grip and handling responsiveness. Performance drivers may prefer a lower treadwear rating for superior traction.

How to read treadwear rating?

The treadwear rating is the first number in the UTQG sequence on your tire sidewall. Using 100 as the baseline, a rating of 600 means the tire lasts six times longer. Higher numbers indicate longer tread life, while lower numbers indicate softer compounds built for grip over longevity.

What is a treadwear warranty?

A treadwear warranty is a manufacturer’s guarantee that the tire’s tread will last for a specified number of miles under normal driving conditions. Warranties typically range from 40,000 to 80,000 miles for touring and highway tires, while performance tires often carry shorter warranties or none at all due to their softer rubber compounds. Regular tire rotation and proper inflation are usually required to keep the warranty valid.

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