How long should a 500 treadwear tire last?

Most 500 treadwear tires last about 40,000 to 60,000 miles under typical driving, with real-world results ranging from roughly 30,000 to 70,000+ miles depending on driving style, vehicle, climate, and maintenance. The “500” is a UTQG treadwear rating indicating comparative durability (about five times the wear life of a control tire in standardized tests), not a guaranteed mileage. Many 500-rated tires carry mileage warranties of 45,000 to 60,000 miles; always check the specific model’s warranty and rotate/maintain accordingly.

What the “500” treadwear rating actually means

The UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) treadwear rating is a comparative index developed for the U.S. market. A tire graded 500 is designed to wear about five times longer than a control tire rated 100 in standardized tests. However, the test occurs in controlled conditions and is most meaningful within a brand’s own lineup. It doesn’t translate directly to a fixed mileage figure, nor does it ensure apples-to-apples comparability across different manufacturers or tire categories.

Real-world mileage expectations

How long a 500 treadwear tire lasts depends on the tire type and how it’s used. In practice, you can expect mid-five-figure mileage when properly maintained, with important caveats by category.

The ranges below outline typical real-world outcomes for common 500-rated tires:

• Touring/All-season (passenger cars and crossovers): About 50,000–60,000 miles is common, with some drivers seeing up to ~70,000 miles under gentle highway use.
• Ultra-high-performance (UHP) all-season: Often 40,000–50,000 miles, since softer compounds and aggressive driving reduce life even with a 500 rating.
• Performance summer: Few true summer tires carry a 500 rating; when they do, heat cycles and spirited use may cap life closer to the UHP all-season range.

These figures are generalizations. The most precise guide is the tire’s published mileage warranty and your own tracking of tread depth over time.

Key factors that shorten or extend tread life

Multiple variables influence how long a 500 treadwear tire will last. The following points explain the biggest contributors to faster wear or extended life.

• Driving style: Hard acceleration, high cornering loads, and frequent hard braking can cut life dramatically.
• Vehicle type and load: Heavier vehicles (including EVs with high torque) often reduce life by 10–30% versus lighter, comparable models.
• Roads and climate: Rough pavement, gravel, extreme heat, and frequent stop-and-go speed wear. Cooler climates and steady highway miles generally extend life.
• Inflation pressure: Underinflation causes shoulder wear and heat build-up; overinflation wears centers. Check pressures monthly and with temperature swings.
• Alignment and suspension: Misalignment, worn shocks/struts, and bent components cause irregular wear that can destroy a tire long before its potential mileage.
• Rotation and balance: Regular rotations even out front/rear wear (especially on FWD/RWD) and balancing prevents cupping.
• Driving mix: Highway cruising is gentler on tread than urban stop-and-go.

Controlling these variables—especially pressure, alignment, and rotation—has an outsize impact on reaching the high end of a 500-rated tire’s potential lifespan.

How to estimate your remaining tread life

You don’t have to guess how long your tires will last—simple checks can help you project remaining miles.

1. Measure tread depth: New tires start around 10/32″ (varies by model). Replace at 2/32″ by law in most U.S. states; consider 4/32″ for wet traction and 5/32″ for snow.
2. Track wear rate: Note miles driven per 1/32″ of tread used. Multiply by remaining 1/32″ to estimate miles left under similar conditions.
3. Use built-in wear bars: When tread reaches the molded indicators across the grooves, you’re at 2/32″ and due for immediate replacement.
4. Check evenly: Measure inner, center, and outer tread across all tires to spot alignment or inflation issues early.

Consistent measurement over a few thousand miles yields a personalized wear rate that’s more accurate than generic mileage ranges.

Maintenance to maximize a 500-rated tire’s lifespan

Routine care can push a 500 treadwear tire toward the top end of its potential mileage.

• Rotate every 5,000–7,500 miles (or per owner’s manual/tire maker). Include the spare if it’s a full-size matching tire.
• Set pressures monthly and before long trips; adjust for temperature changes and load. Use the door-jamb placard as your baseline.
• Align annually or at the first sign of uneven wear, pulling, or after impacts/potholes.
• Balance at installation and when you feel vibration; rebalance can prevent accelerated cupping.
• Avoid chronic overload and sustained high speeds above the tire’s rating; both increase heat and wear.
• For EVs: Rotate at the short end of the interval and monitor shoulder wear closely.

These steps pay back in longer tread life, better safety, and quieter, more efficient driving.

Replacement triggers beyond tread depth

Even if tread remains, other conditions may require replacement.

• Age: Many automakers and tire makers advise replacing tires at 6–10 years regardless of tread; have them inspected annually after year five.
• Damage: Sidewall bubbles, deep cuts, exposed cords, or punctures outside repairable zones warrant replacement.
• Irregular wear: Severe cupping or diagonal/feathered patterns can indicate structural or alignment issues that have compromised the tire.
• Heat/track use: Repeated heat cycles (e.g., spirited canyon or track days) harden compounds and reduce grip before tread is gone.

When in doubt, have a qualified technician inspect the tire; safety and grip can degrade before you hit the legal minimums.

Warranties and what they really cover

Mileage warranties on 500-rated tires typically range from 45,000 to 60,000 miles, but they’re pro-rated and contingent on proper rotation, inflation, alignment, and documented maintenance. Keep receipts and rotation records; uneven wear or missing documentation can reduce or void warranty credits.

Bottom line

A 500 treadwear tire is designed for moderate-to-long life, commonly delivering 40,000–60,000 miles for everyday drivers. Your actual results hinge on tire category, driving style, vehicle weight/torque, and maintenance habits. Track tread depth, rotate on schedule, and keep alignment and pressures dialed in to reach the upper end of its potential.

Summary

Expect roughly 40,000–60,000 miles from a 500 treadwear tire, with real-world outcomes from ~30,000 to 70,000+ miles. The “500” is a comparative durability index, not a mileage promise. For best results, rotate every 5,000–7,500 miles, maintain proper pressure, keep alignment in spec, and monitor tread depth; replace at 2/32″ (earlier for wet/snow performance) or at 6–10 years regardless of remaining tread.

What is a good treadwear number?

A “good” treadwear number depends on the type of tire and your priorities, as higher numbers mean longer lifespan but potentially less grip, while lower numbers offer better performance at the cost of durability. For general use, a medium treadwear rating of 400 to 700 is a common and balanced choice. For high-performance tires, lower numbers in the 100 to 300 range are typical for maximum grip, while touring tires may have higher ratings of 600 to 800+ for extended mileage.
 
Understanding Treadwear Numbers

• Relative Rating: The number is a relative rating based on a standardized reference tire. A tire rated at 400 is expected to last 4 times longer than a standard reference tire with a rating of 100. 
• Projected Lifespan: A common guideline is to take the treadwear number and add two zeros to get a rough estimate of potential mileage (e.g., a 420 treadwear tire is roughly a 42,000-mile tire). 
• Tire Type Matters: Different tire categories have different typical treadwear ratings. 
  • High-Performance Tires (100-300): These tires have softer compounds for excellent grip and are designed for less longevity. 
  • All-Season Tires (400-700): Offer a balanced blend of longevity and grip suitable for everyday driving. 
  • Touring Tires (600-800+): Engineered for maximum mileage, comfort, and longer tread life. 

What to Consider When Choosing

• Your Driving Habits: Aggressive driving or long highway commutes will wear tires faster, regardless of the rating. 
• Climate and Road Conditions: Driving in hot climates or on rough roads can also impact tire life. 
• Balancing Longevity and Performance: Decide if your priority is a tire that lasts a long time or one that provides superior grip. 

How long does 100% treadwear last?

The standard is set so that a rating of 100 is equal to 30,000 miles. The actual rating is a percentage of 30,000 miles. A tire rated at 200 has a projected tread life of 60,000 miles. A tire rated at 50 has a projected tread life of 15,000 miles.

Is a treadwear rating of 500 good?

Yes, a 500 treadwear rating is generally considered good, offering a strong balance between durability and performance for everyday driving and touring vehicles. While lower ratings prioritize grip for performance cars and higher ratings offer maximum longevity, a 500 treadwear rating provides excellent tread life and reliability for most daily commuting and mixed driving conditions.
 
What a 500 Treadwear Rating Means

• Longevity: The number is a comparative scale, meaning a 500 treadwear tire is expected to last five times longer than a baseline tire with a 100 treadwear rating, assuming identical conditions. 
• Balance: It signifies a balanced tire that provides a good combination of grip, safety, and durability for various driving scenarios. 

Why it’s a Good Choice for Most Drivers

• Everyday Driving: This rating is excellent for daily commutes, as it offers sufficient wear resistance without sacrificing necessary grip and safety. 
• All-Season Performance: Tires in the 300-500 treadwear range are often all-season tires, providing reliable performance in a wide variety of weather conditions. 
• Durability: You can expect a long lifespan from these tires, potentially lasting for multiple years with proper maintenance. 

Factors That Influence Actual Tire Life
It’s important to remember that the number is a guideline, and the actual miles you get from your tires depend on several factors: 

• Driving Habits: Aggressive driving, hard braking, and frequent acceleration will wear tires out faster. 
• Road Conditions: Driving on rough roads, poor road surfaces, or in harsh weather can affect tread life. 
• Maintenance: Proper tire maintenance, including correct inflation and regular rotations, can significantly extend tread life. 

How long should 500 treadwear tires last?

approximately 50,000 miles
A tire with a 500 treadwear rating is expected to last approximately 50,000 miles under standard conditions. However, factors like driving style, road conditions, and vehicle type can affect actual mileage.