what does a tread ware of 140 compared to 280 mean?

 

"Treadwear receives a comparative rating based on wear rate of the the tire in field testing following a government specified course. For example, a tire grade of 150 wears 1.5 times as long as a tire graded 100. Actual performance of the tire can vary significantly depending on conditions, driving habits, care, road characteristics, and climate."

In reality the lower numbers usually mean softer more grippy compounds that wear faster. I've seen DOT race rubber rated at 50, and yesterday a new Goodyear all-season rated at a whopping 740!

 

Agree. The higher the number, your tire will last longer but wont grip as well. Mine have a high number, and they squeal where other tires would not, while turning. They also have no good grip when hard braking. They tend to lock fast.

Tire selection is all about compromise.

 

Another thing about comparing treadwear numbers is that a lot of tire experts tell you to only compare within one manufacturer, not between different companies. The reason for this is because treadwear is always tested independantly by each company, and (I guess) there must be a certain amount of "fudge factor" even though the guidelines are set by the government. This is just what I've been told.... funny how a lot of UHP summer tires are 280 treadwear....

 

Bman, you are ABSOLUTELY correct. I worked for Firestone for a short period, and that is one of the many things they taught me about tires...

 

thanks a lot guys.... you know your tires... i'll be buying 19's soon... and they are expensive so i want to buy a tire that grips and lasts long too... and from reading what you've all said, this will be a difficult task. what do you guys think about the bridgestone potenza re050 255/35-19 or the BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW 2?