Treadwear

nounStandard termAutomotive

A standardized rating indicating how quickly a tire's rubber compound will degrade.

A numerical grade molded into the sidewall of a tire that estimates its expected lifespan under controlled testing conditions. A baseline rating is 100, so a tire rated 400 should theoretically last four times as long as the control tire. Lower numbers indicate softer, stickier rubber favored for performance, while higher numbers indicate harder compounds built for longevity.

Heard on the job

These track tires have a treadwear rating of 200, so don't expect them to last more than a summer.

Insider tip

Treadwear ratings are assigned by the manufacturer, not an independent body, so they are only truly accurate for comparing tires within the same brand.

Also heard as

  • UTQG treadwear