Is 400 a good treadwear rating?

Yes—a treadwear rating of 400 is generally considered good for most everyday drivers. It indicates moderate-to-long expected tread life compared with the UTQG reference tire rated at 100. However, the number is best used within the same brand and tire category, not as a universal, cross-brand predictor of longevity or performance.

What the treadwear number actually means

The treadwear rating is part of the U.S. Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) system. Under controlled testing on public roads in Texas, each candidate tire’s wear rate is compared with a standardized control tire assigned a rating of 100. A tire labeled 400 wore about one-quarter as fast as the control under those test conditions, implying roughly four times the wear life in that specific comparison.

Important caveats: UTQG grades are assigned by manufacturers under federal guidelines; they are not government-certified, and procedures can differ. The number is most meaningful for comparing models within a single brand’s lineup. It’s not a reliable apples-to-apples metric across different brands or very different tire categories (for example, touring vs. track-focused tires). UTQG is often not shown on winter tires, competition tires, many light-truck LT sizes, and off-road specialty models.

How a 400 rating stacks up by tire category

To gauge whether 400 is “good,” it helps to see where it sits among common tire types. The ranges below reflect typical patterns you’ll find in the market; individual models will vary.

• Extreme-performance/track-day tires: usually 100–200 (emphasis on grip over longevity)
• Max-performance summer tires: roughly 200–300 (some edge toward low-300s)
• Ultra-high-performance (UHP) all-season: about 300–500 (400 is common and often well-balanced)
• Grand-touring/all-season passenger tires: typically 500–800+ (prioritizing long life and comfort)
• Highway all-season for crossovers/ SUVs (P-metric): often 500–700
• All-terrain and mud-terrain: sometimes no UTQG; when listed, can range widely (roughly 300–600), with off-road trade-offs
• Winter/snow tires: often exempt from UTQG (focus is on cold-weather traction, not wear rating)

Within this context, a 400 rating lands in the “balanced” zone—typical for sport-oriented daily driving or UHP all-season models—offering a practical mix of grip and durability without aiming for maximum longevity.

Is 400 right for you?

Consider your driving style, vehicle, and priorities. The following scenarios highlight where a 400 rating tends to fit well.

• Drivers who want stronger dry and wet grip than long-mileage touring tires, but still expect respectable tread life
• Owners of sporty sedans, coupes, or hot hatchbacks used as daily drivers
• Commuters in mixed climates choosing UHP all-season tires for year-round flexibility
• Drivers who value steering response and braking over squeezing out maximum mileage

If you mainly prioritize maximum longevity and comfort, a higher rating (500–800+) touring tire may suit you better; if ultimate cornering grip is the goal, lower ratings (100–300) in performance categories may be appropriate.

What can matter more than the number

Real-world tire life is shaped by many factors that can outweigh a UTQG difference on the sidewall.

• Alignment and suspension condition: misalignment can halve tread life
• Rotation frequency: rotate every 5,000–7,500 miles (or per your vehicle/tire maker) to even out wear
• Driving style: hard launches, aggressive cornering, and heavy braking accelerate wear
• Load and inflation: underinflation, overloading, and towing increase heat and wear
• Road surface and temperature: coarse pavement, extreme heat/cold, and frequent stop-go traffic reduce life
• Vehicle type: heavier EVs and high-torque powertrains can wear tires faster, even on high UTQG models

Because these variables loom large, treat 400 as a general indicator rather than a promise. Maintenance and usage patterns often determine the outcome.

Warranty expectations with a 400 rating

Many 400-rated tires—especially UHP all-season models—carry mileage warranties in the ballpark of 40,000–60,000 miles, though policies vary widely by brand and model. Max-performance summer tires with similar ratings may have lower or no mileage warranties. Warranty coverage usually requires proof of proper rotation and alignment; some brands offer different front/rear coverage for staggered fitments and reduced coverage for mixed-service use. Always check the tire’s specific warranty terms before buying.

How to choose beyond UTQG

Use treadwear as one data point, then layer in performance and ownership factors to make a confident choice.

• Read instrumented comparison tests and user reviews focused on wet/dry braking, handling, hydroplaning resistance, noise, and comfort
• Check UTQG traction (AA/A/B/C) and temperature (A/B/C) grades; note that traction is for wet straight-line braking, not cornering or snow/ice
• Look for the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol if you need verified winter performance
• Match load index and speed rating to your vehicle’s requirements (or higher)
• Consider EV-specific tires if applicable (noise, rolling resistance, load, and torque handling)
• Confirm availability, price, and service support; check manufacturing date (DOT code) for freshness

This broader view helps you balance longevity with safety and performance in the conditions you actually face.

Key takeaway on 400 treadwear

A 400 treadwear rating is a solid, middle-ground indicator—especially for UHP all-season and sport-oriented daily tires—signaling reasonable longevity without sacrificing too much grip. Just remember it’s not a direct cross-brand yardstick and can’t substitute for careful selection based on your vehicle, climate, and driving habits.

Summary

A treadwear rating of 400 is generally good: it represents moderate-to-long life relative to the UTQG baseline and suits many daily drivers who want a balanced mix of performance and durability. Use it as a guide within a brand and tire category, not as an absolute measure. Factor in independent test results, traction and temperature grades, warranty terms, and your maintenance and driving patterns for the most reliable outcome.