What is treadwear rating and what does it measure?
Treadwear rating is a UTQG number comparing a tire's expected tread life to a reference tire - higher numbers indicate longer tread life, though real-world wear varies based on driving habits and conditions.
Treadwear rating is a number - part of the UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) system - that gives you a relative indication of how long a tire's tread should last compared to a standardized reference tire.
How to interpret it
The rating is indexed to a reference tire at 100. A tire rated 400 should last approximately four times as long as the reference tire. A tire rated 200 should last twice as long. A competition tire rated 60 will wear out quickly - but delivers exceptional grip in exchange.
Real-world factors that affect tread life
Treadwear ratings are conducted under standardized test conditions. Your actual mileage will vary based on:
- Driving style (aggressive acceleration and braking wears tires faster)
- Road conditions and surface type
- Tire inflation (under or over-inflated tires wear unevenly and faster)
- Alignment and suspension condition
Important note: UTQG treadwear is self-reported by manufacturers using their own testing methods. Numbers are most useful when comparing tires within the same brand, not across different manufacturers.
For help balancing treadwear, grip, and price for your specific car and driving style, contact our tire specialists.