Is 700 a Good Treadwear Rating?

Yes—generally, a 700 treadwear rating is considered very good for longevity, indicating a tire designed to last significantly longer than lower-rated options. However, treadwear ratings are only reliably comparable within the same brand, and higher numbers often come with trade-offs in grip and braking performance, especially in demanding conditions.

What a 700 Treadwear Rating Means

The “700” is part of the UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) system used in the U.S., where manufacturers test tires against a control tire graded 100. In that framework, a 700-rated tire is expected—by that manufacturer’s own testing—to wear about seven times longer than its control tire under standardized conditions. It’s a strong indicator of long life for daily driving, especially in touring and commuter all-season categories. Still, UTQG treadwear is not a universal, cross-brand scale: companies run and interpret their own tests, so a 700 from Brand A isn’t necessarily equivalent to a 700 from Brand B.

How 700 Compares to Other Ratings

The following ranges provide a practical sense of where a 700 rating sits relative to typical tire categories, keeping in mind that exceptions exist and cross-brand comparisons are approximate.

• Extreme/track-capable summer tires: often 60–200 (or none posted)
• Ultra-high-performance summer: roughly 200–340
• Performance all-season: roughly 300–500
• Touring and standard all-season: roughly 600–800+
• Fuel-efficient commuter tires: commonly 700–800+
• All-terrain (P-metric): often 500–700; many LT tires lack UTQG
• Winter/snow tires: frequently exclude UTQG or post lower wear numbers

In short, a 700 rating sits on the high end for everyday, road-focused tires and typically aligns with long-mileage touring options rather than performance-oriented rubber.

Pros and Cons of a 700-Rated Tire

Advantages

Drivers who prioritize value and low running costs often benefit from higher treadwear ratings. Here are common advantages of a 700-rated tire.

• Longer expected service life, often aligning with 60,000–90,000 miles when properly maintained and driven moderately
• Potentially lower total cost of ownership thanks to fewer replacements over time
• Often designed with low rolling resistance, which can help fuel economy
• Typically quieter and more comfort-oriented than low-treadwear performance tires
• Frequently backed by longer mileage warranties (though warranty terms vary)

For everyday commuting and highway use, these benefits can be compelling—provided the tire’s other grades and features match your driving environment.

Trade-offs and Caveats

Higher treadwear often means a harder rubber compound, which can affect performance in specific conditions.

• Less ultimate dry and wet grip versus softer, lower-treadwear performance tires
• Potentially longer stopping distances, especially in heavy rain or at high temperatures
• Handling feel may be less sharp; not ideal for spirited driving or track use
• UTQG treadwear is best compared within the same brand; cross-brand comparisons are imperfect
• Not a guarantee of mileage—driving style, alignment, load, and climate strongly affect wear
• Winter traction isn’t captured by UTQG; dedicated winter tires still outperform in snow/ice

If your priorities include maximum grip, shortest stopping distances, or track capability, a lower treadwear, performance-oriented tire is usually a better match.

What Else to Look At on the Sidewall

A single number never tells the whole story. UTQG also includes traction and temperature grades, and the tire sidewall lists other important specs that affect safety and performance.

• UTQG Traction (AA, A, B, C): Measures straight-line wet braking on specified surfaces; AA is best. Does not measure hydroplaning resistance or cornering grip.
• UTQG Temperature (A, B, C): Rates heat resistance at speed; A is best (A: sustained over ~115 mph, B: ~100–115 mph, C: ~85–100 mph).
• Speed rating (e.g., T/H/V/W/Y): Maximum sustained speed capability; match to or exceed your vehicle’s requirement.
• Load index: The tire’s weight-carrying capacity; ensure it meets your vehicle’s spec.
• M+S and 3PMSF: “M+S” indicates basic mud/snow capability; the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake denotes true winter performance.
• Manufacture date (DOT week/year): Age matters; rubber hardens over time regardless of miles.

Evaluating these details alongside treadwear helps you choose a tire that’s both long-lasting and appropriate for your climate and driving style.

Real-World Life: What a 700 Rating Might Deliver

With regular rotations, proper inflation, and aligned suspension, many 700-rated touring tires can reach or approach their mileage warranties (often 60,000–80,000+ miles). Aggressive driving, heavy loads, frequent stop‑and‑go, rough roads, and hot climates can cut that significantly. Conversely, steady highway driving often extends life.

How to Maximize Wear From a 700 Tire

Routine maintenance and smart habits can help you realize the longevity a 700-rated tire promises.

1. Check pressure monthly (and before long trips), adjusting when tires are cold.
2. Rotate every 5,000–7,500 miles (or per the vehicle/tire maker), including the spare if applicable.
3. Get alignment checks annually and after impacts or uneven wear signs.
4. Balance tires when vibrations appear or at rotation if needed.
5. Stay within load and speed ratings; avoid prolonged overloading or high-speed heat buildup.
6. Drive smoothly—hard launches, sharp cornering, and sudden braking accelerate wear.
7. Use seasonal tires where appropriate; don’t rely on all-seasons for severe winter conditions.
8. Monitor tread depth with a gauge; consider replacing at 4/32″ in wet climates for better rain performance.

These steps help convert a high treadwear rating into real, measurable miles while maintaining safety and performance.

When a 700 Rating Is Not the Best Choice

There are situations where a lower treadwear, higher-grip tire—or a different tire type altogether—is a better fit.

• Track days or sustained spirited driving that demands maximum grip and heat tolerance
• Regions with frequent heavy rain where premium wet-grip tires (often lower treadwear) stop shorter
• Regular snow/ice driving, where dedicated winter tires vastly outperform all-seasons
• Off-road use beyond light trails; dedicated all-terrain or mud-terrain designs are better suited
• Vehicles requiring LT (light truck) or trailer tires, which often don’t carry UTQG ratings

Matching tire type to your use case is more important than chasing a single number—safety and performance should come first.

Bottom Line

A 700 treadwear rating is typically a strong indicator of long life for everyday driving, especially within touring and commuter categories. Just remember: compare UTQG numbers within the same brand, verify traction and temperature grades, and choose based on your climate, driving style, and vehicle’s requirements.

Summary

A 700 treadwear rating is broadly “good” and suggests above-average longevity, but it’s not a universal yardstick. Treat it as one data point: pair it with traction and temperature grades, confirm speed/load ratings, and consider your driving conditions. For commuting and highway use, 700-rated tires can be excellent; for performance, extreme wet grip, deep winter, or heavy-duty applications, a different tire type may be the smarter choice.

What is a good treadwear rating?

A “good” treadwear rating depends on your needs, but a general guideline is that a rating of 300 or above is considered good for balanced everyday driving. For maximum tread life, a rating of 400 or above is generally preferred, while lower ratings between 100-300 are for performance-oriented tires that wear faster but offer better grip and traction.
 
How to Choose a Good Treadwear Rating

• High Treadwear (400+): Opens in new tabChoose these for maximum tire life, ideal for long-distance highway driving and passenger vehicles with everyday commutes. 
• Moderate Treadwear (300-400): Opens in new tabA balanced option for drivers looking for a good mix of wear and performance, suitable for most daily driving conditions. 
• Low Treadwear (100-300): Opens in new tabPrefer these for performance vehicles or those prioritizing top-notch grip and traction for spirited driving, understanding that the tread will wear out more quickly. 

Understanding Treadwear Ratings

• Comparison, Not an Absolute: The rating is a comparative measure based on tests under controlled conditions. A tire with a 400 rating is expected to last twice as long as a tire with a 200 rating under the same conditions. 
• Estimated Life: A common rule of thumb is to multiply the treadwear rating by 100 to get an estimate of the miles the tire is expected to last, though real-world factors like driving style and road conditions will affect this. 
• Trade-offs: Tires with higher treadwear ratings are generally more durable but may have lower traction and temperature resistance. Conversely, lower-rated tires offer better performance but have a shorter lifespan. 

Is UTQG 700 AA good?

Yes, UTQG 700 AA is considered a good rating, with the tire likely to have a long lifespan due to the high treadwear rating and excellent wet traction capability, as indicated by the ‘A.A.’ traction rating.

How many miles is a 700 treadwear tire good for?

A general rule of thumb sometimes used is that an average driver with an average vehicle can typically estimate the tread life of a tire by multiplying the UTQG treadwear rating by 100. For example, a tire with a treadwear rating of 700 may last approximately 70,000 miles.

How many miles is a 600 treadwear rating?

A tire with a 600 treadwear rating is estimated to last approximately 60,000 miles, but this is a relative measure, not an absolute guarantee. The actual mileage you get from the tire depends on factors like driving style, road conditions, maintenance habits, and vehicle alignment. 
Understanding the Treadwear Rating

• It’s a relative scale: The UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grade) treadwear rating is a comparative number set by the manufacturer to indicate relative wear life. 
• The “100” benchmark: A treadwear rating of 100 is considered a baseline, representing a certain mileage, such as 30,000 miles. 
• Multiplication for estimation: To get a rough idea of expected mileage, you can multiply the treadwear rating by 100, making a 600 treadwear rating roughly equivalent to 60,000 miles. 

Factors Affecting Tire Life
While the 60,000-mile estimate is a helpful guide, your actual tire mileage will vary due to:

• Driving habits: Opens in new tabAggressive driving, such as hard braking and acceleration, will wear tires out faster. 
• Road conditions: Opens in new tabDriving on rough, uneven, or unpaved roads can significantly reduce tire lifespan. 
• Vehicle maintenance: Opens in new tabRegular tire rotations and proper wheel alignment are crucial for achieving maximum tread life. 
• Suspension condition: Opens in new tabA vehicle with worn suspension components can lead to uneven and premature tire wear.