The Ultimate Guide To Understanding Tire Treadwear Rating Chart In 2023

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As a car owner, it is important to understand the different components of your car, especially the tires. Tires are the only part of your car that come in contact with the road, and their condition can make a big difference in your car's performance, safety, and fuel economy. One important aspect to consider when selecting tires is their treadwear rating. In this article, we'll take a closer look at tire treadwear ratings and how they can affect your driving experience.

What is Tire Treadwear Rating?

Tire treadwear rating is a measure of how long a tire is expected to last in terms of tread life. This rating is assigned by the tire manufacturer and is based on a standardized test that measures the wear of the tire's tread. The test is conducted under controlled conditions and the results are compared to a reference tire that is assigned a rating of 100. A tire with a rating of 200 is expected to last twice as long as the reference tire, while a tire with a rating of 50 is expected to last only half as long.

How is Tire Treadwear Rating Determined?

The treadwear rating is determined by conducting a test on a tire using a specific machine. The machine is designed to simulate real-world driving conditions and measures the tire's wear rate over a specified distance. The tire is run on a government-specified test track for a total of 7,200 miles, during which its wear rate is monitored. The tire's wear rate is then compared to that of a reference tire, which is assigned a rating of 100. The tire's rating is then calculated as a percentage of the reference tire's rating.

What Do Tire Treadwear Ratings Mean?

Tire treadwear ratings can be used to compare the relative durability of different tires. Generally, the higher the rating, the longer the tire is expected to last. However, it is important to keep in mind that the treadwear rating is just one factor to consider when selecting tires. Other factors, such as the tire's traction, handling, and comfort, are also important to consider.

Interpreting Tire Treadwear Ratings

Tires with a rating of 200 or higher are considered to have excellent tread life and are a good choice for drivers who do a lot of highway driving. Tires with a rating of 100 to 200 are considered to have average tread life and are a good choice for drivers who do a mix of highway and city driving. Tires with a rating of 50 to 100 have below-average tread life and may need to be replaced sooner than other tires.

How to Use Tire Treadwear Ratings?

When buying new tires, it's important to consider the treadwear rating, among other factors. If you drive your car frequently and want to get the most out of your tires, a high treadwear rating may be a good choice. However, if you only drive your car occasionally, or if you prioritize other qualities such as handling or comfort, a lower treadwear rating may be a better choice.

Factors Affecting Tire Treadwear

While the treadwear rating is a good indication of a tire's durability, it is not the only factor that affects how long a tire will last. Other factors, such as driving conditions, tire maintenance, and driving style, can also affect a tire's tread life. For example, driving on rough roads or using improper tire pressure can cause a tire to wear out faster.

How to Maintain Tire Treadwear?

To get the most out of your tires, it's important to maintain them properly. Regular tire rotations, wheel alignments, and proper tire inflation can help to extend the life of your tires. It's also important to avoid overloading your car or driving on rough roads, as these can cause your tires to wear out faster.

When to Replace Your Tires?

Even with proper maintenance, all tires eventually wear out and need to be replaced. The general rule of thumb is to replace your tires when the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch. To check your tire's tread depth, you can use a tread depth gauge or simply insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head upside down. If the top of Lincoln's head is visible, it's time to replace your tires. In conclusion, tire treadwear rating is an important factor to consider when selecting new tires for your car. However, it should not be the only factor to consider. Other factors, such as traction, handling, and comfort, should also be taken into account. To get the most out of your tires, it's important to maintain them properly and replace them when necessary. By doing so, you can help to ensure a safe and comfortable driving experience for years to come.