What Are The Best Tread Life, High Mileage Tires?

When purchasing a new tire, expected tread life is often a top factor that’s considered in whether or not you should purchase a tire. Tread life is measured by a UTQG rating. This number was developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to measure a tire’s treadwear, traction, and temperature. When reading a UTQG rating, the higher the treadwear, the longer it’s expected for the tire to wear down as you drive it. 

Although the UTQG rating is a great way to get an idea of a tire’s quality, it doesn’t directly tell you how many miles a tire is likely to last. A lot of factors contribute to how long a tire lasts, such as proper pressure, balancing, and regular rotation. Also, it's worth noting that tire manufacturers self-test and self-report their UTQG ratings; there is no national testing and rating organization.

Tread life ratings are still worth considering when purchasing a new tire if you’re looking for something that lasts a bit longer than the average. 

To this end, we’ve compiled a list of some of the highest UTQG rated tires. These tires stand apart from the competition as having excellent treadwear ratings compared to similar tires of the same type. You’re guaranteed an excellent tire if you choose any of these. 

Hankook Kinergy PT H737

UTQG Wear Rating: 860

Estimated price for 4 tires: $478

Globally renowned Korean tire manufacturer Hankook is one of the original equipment tire manufacturers for vehicle brands Audi, BMW, Ford, and Hyundai. Their Kinergy line is one of the first sustainable tires produced with an ISCC PLUS certification that indicates it’s manufactured using eco-friendly materials. The PT H737 itself is a premium touring all-weather tire that’s built for a longer life. It’s notable for having an excellent treadwear rating and a 90,000 mile warranty to back it up. 

Goodyear Assurance MaxLife  

UTQG Wear Rating: 820

Estimated price for 4 tires: $584

When Goodyear says “MaxLife,” they mean it. This all-season tire is designed purely around reliability and long-term savings as it has one of the highest treadwear ratings on the market. The Goodyear brand has over 125 years in the tire industry and is one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers. The Assurance MaxLife has an impressive 85,000 mile warranty and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. 

Michelin Defender2

UTQG Wear Rating: 840

Estimated price for 4 tires: $739

A high performance all-season tire, the Defender2 is known for superior comfort and minimal road noise. This tire also handles snow and rain surprisingly well. But, above all else, it’s built for durability and performance. Michelin’s Defender2 has an 80,000 mileage warranty, a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, and roadside assistance. Michelin is a well-established name in the tire industry and it’s easy to see why. 

Michelin T + H

UTQG Wear Rating: 820

Estimated price for 4 tires: $643

Another excellent Michelin all-season tire that’s known for a comfortable ride and a marked improvement in miles per gallon. This is one of the best dry road tires that you’ll find on the market that’s completely designed to maximize your tread life. The “T + H” name comes from the fact that it has two speed ratings. These ratings are based on what temperature the tire can handle at high speeds. In this case, T rated tires mean it can handle speeds up to 118 mph and works with sedans and passenger vans. The H rating is a rating for up to 130mph, working with most commuter vehicles as well. The T + H also has an 80,000 mileage warranty, a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, and roadside assistance. 

Michelin Defender LTX M/S

UTQG Wear Rating: 800

Estimated price for 4 tires: $928

This long-lasting all-season Michelin tire is meant for SUVs, trucks, and vans. It has excellent dry and wet road performance and is optimized for road comfort and durability. You won’t have as much success off-road with this tire, as it’s built around road performance, but you’ll have a tough time finding a longer lasting tire that works well with larger vehicles. This tire has Michelin’s 70,000 mile warranty, 60-day satisfaction guarantee, and roadside assistance. 

Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza PLUS

UTQG Wear Rating: 800

Estimated price for 4 tires: $1112

Japanese-based tire manufacturer Bridgestone has been producing high quality tires since 1931 with sales across the globe. Their Dueler H/L Alenza PLUS is a premium tire that’s meant to improve fuel economy and last as long as possible. The tire has excellent all-weather performance, being able to withstand wet and mild off-road conditions. The Dueler H/L Alenza PLUS has an 80,000 mile warranty. 

Continental TrueContact Tour

UTQG Wear Rating: 800

Estimated price for 4 tires: $492

The TrueContact Tour is a touring tire, which means it’s meant to perform like an all-season tire but with better handling and speed rating. This tire lives up to that standard with equally impressive dry and wet weather performance. The German-based Continental brand is known for producing premium tires that live up to their high standards. The TrueContact Tour has an 80,000 mile warranty. 

Continental TerrainContact H/T

UTQG Wear Rating: 800

Estimated price for 4 tires: $812

With a similar UTQG wear rating to the True Contact Tour, what makes the TerrainContact H/T so different? This tire is manufactured with the intent of being used on SUVs or pickup trucks. Although its name may suggest you can use it in off-road conditions, this tire is meant for exceptional dry and wet road performance. It can also handle light off-road situations, but avoid mud and sharp rocks. The TerrainContact has a 70,000 mile warranty. 

Toyo Open Country H/T II

UTQG Wear Rating: 740

Estimated price for 4 tires: $513

An excellent budget option for a high treadlife truck or SUV tire, the Open Country H/T II is an all-season tire that has a far above average treadwear rating. Toyo is a Japanese-based tire manufacturer with a U.S. branch located in California. Their Open Country H/T II is a testament to their first-rate durability and value. The Open Country H/T II has a 70,000 mile warranty. 

Falken Wildpeak AT Trail 

UTQG Wear Rating: 680

Estimated price for 4 tires: $612

The only tire on our list that’s explicitly designed for the innovative crossover SUV, the Wildpeak AT Trail is a great all-season choice that’s not only comfortable but also durable. The Falken WildPeak is the OEM for several crossover SUVs and has a remarkable MPG rating on-road. This tire has a 65,000 mile warranty. 

Toyo Open Country A/T III

UTQG Wear Rating: 600

Estimated price for 4 tires: $654

This all-terrain tire is tough, blocky, and durable. As the only tire on our list that can handle mud, snow, and tough terrain with no problem, the Open Country A/T III is unique in that it also has an excellent treadwear rating. Note that this tire is meant for trucks, SUVs, and other off-road vehicles that need larger sizes. The Open Country A/T III has a 65,000 mile warranty. 

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