How Long Do Tires Last? A Question you must answer

Series of treadwear testing has shown that family-car tires can readily last 70,000 miles or more, as recorded last year based on evaluating 49 all-season models. This year, we evaluated ultra-high-performance tires, finding that ultra-high-performance tires can’t make half that distance. In fact, some tested UHP tires tested in western Nigeria showed wear that indicates they will last to just 25,000 to 30,000 miles. To matter matters worse, most summer tires made from Aboard don’t even carry warranties.

These findings underscore the value of looking at comparative treadwear life based on testing.

Some test on UHP tires were carried out, they reported treadwear as a rating, rather than a predicted mileage. For our most recent treadwear test, they expanded from 12,000 to 16,000 miles. That’s more than double the mileage of the government’s 7,200-mile treadwear test used to assign a treadwear index under the Uniform Tire Quality Grading System. Given that some of the UHP tires tested are expected to last for 60,000 miles or more, they think their extended test is better at projecting tread life.

 

Your Mileage Will Vary

From this extensive test program, they found that high-scoring UHP summer tires last about 35,000 to 40,000 miles, including the top-rated Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Add another 20,000 miles or so for most high-scoring UHP all-season tires. The treadwear champ is the Goodyear Eagle Sport A/S with an impressive 70,000-mile wear projection in their test. But expect lower mileage if you drive aggressively and or have a high-horsepower car.

Rotation is very important for optimum wear, but it may not be practical for all cars. If you are using directional tires, they can only be rotated from the front to rear axles, not side to side unless they are remounted on the wheels. Further, if you use staggered tires with different front and rear size tires, they cannot be rotated from front to rear axles. Consequently, tire manufacturers typically reduce the treadwear warranty by 50 percent for these types of fitments.

Wheel alignment and monthly pressure checks will go a long way in getting the most out of your tires.