Tires have a UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) mark on the side, which classifies tires based on their treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance. The treadwear rating indicates the tire's durability and is expressed numerically. If you see "TREADWEAR" followed by a number on the tire's sidewall, that represents the tire's treadwear rating.
Treadwear ratings are generally divided into three categories:
| Category | Treadwear Rating |
|---|---|
| Standard Summer Tires | 160-300 |
| High-Performance Summer Tires | 160-200 |
| All-Season Standard Tires | 300-540 |
The higher the number, the more resistant the tire is to wear. However, this only applies to tires of the same brand. Even if different brands have the same treadwear rating, their actual durability may vary depending on the manufacturer's specific testing standards. Additionally, a higher treadwear rating doesn't always mean better overall performance, as increased durability often comes at the cost of other features like comfort and handling.
Theoretically, a tire with a treadwear rating over 400 should last about 4 times longer than a standard reference tire (typically 48,000 km). Tires with ratings over 400 but below 500 are considered comfort-oriented tires. When the rating exceeds 500, the tire is classified as a high-durability tire, which may compromise comfort to some extent.
However, you shouldn't judge a tire's wear performance based solely on its treadwear rating. It should also take into account the road conditions and driving habits. Brands known for excellent wear resistance include Pirelli, Bridgestone, Dunlop, and Goodyear. Tires should be replaced when the tread reaches the wear indicators.
Generally, tires have a lifespan of around five years. The manufacturing date is also marked on the side of the tire. Even if a tire shows little wear, it is recommended to replace it if it has been in use for more than five years. Since tires are made of rubber, they can age over time, potentially developing cracks that increase the risk of a blowout, which can endanger driving safety.
