Our findings show those that offer the highest estimated tread life while maintaining performance and safety standards.
By Jeff S. Bartlett
Tires are an essential investment for your vehicle—and a costly one as well. Typically, Members of Consumer Reports spent $223 on each tire. , according to our latest survey. But the real value of that purchase depends on how long the tires last before they’re so worn they need to be replaced. After all, the longer a tire’s lifespan, the less it costs per mile to use.
Preferably, you should look for tires that endure over time along with having key features such as excellent handling in both dry and wet conditions, comfortable rides, and minimal noise levels. According to Ryan Pszczolkowski, who manages Consumer Reports' tire testing programs, numerous motorists can locate tires that achieve this equilibrium. Furthermore, there are steps you can take regardless of what type of tires you choose to extend their lifespan significantly.
While purchasing tires, you'll notice the treadwear rating—an indicator shown on the sidewall, which is the flat strip of rubber between the tread and the wheel—representing the expected durability of the tire. A larger figure suggests greater endurance; hence, a tire marked with a treadwear score of 200 ought to outlast one rated at 100 by approximately double. However, these ratings provided by manufacturers can be skewed due to business strategies. Moreover, such figures do not precisely predict the actual mileage you might achieve.
Consumer Reports performs its own testing to help you make accurate comparisons of tread durability among different brands and types of tires. Our evaluation involves extensive road tests, during which evaluators log 1,000 miles each day over a period of 16 days. The expected lifespan of the tires—which we determine once they reach a remaining tread depth of 2/32 of an inch—is estimated according to observed wear patterns. Such predictions are included in our rankings but assume correct tire upkeep. Naturally, actual outcomes may vary depending on factors like your specific driving habits, conditions, type of vehicle used, overall car care practices, as well as chance encounters with punctures or flats. Winter/snow tires , which uses softer, quicker-wearing rubber that maintains grip even in colder temperatures, are not evaluated for tread wear resistance.)
What our tests show: The lifespan of tires varies widely. Some tires will last 45,000 miles, while others in the same category can go for 100,000 miles. What makes one tire last twice as long as another is often a matter of materials. As with winter/snow tires, performance tires for sports and luxury cars are made from rubber compounds with exceptional traction and responsiveness—traits that inherently lead them to wear down more quickly than conventional all-season tires. Long-lasting, high-treadwear tires—ones that don’t make you sacrifice other qualities like grip and ride comfort—are typically made by blending expensive materials such as silica and a petroleum product called carbon black into the rubber. That chemistry, along with highly engineered tread patterns, helps the tires wear down more slowly.
These tires have higher production costs and, as a result, come with a higher price tag—plan to spend an additional $25 to $50 per tire compared to standard options. Nonetheless, CR’s testing demonstrates that initially investing more can ultimately provide greater value.
For instance, we paid $254 per tire for the highest-ranked option. Michelin CrossClimate2 all-season tires For the 18-inch model we evaluated, our findings suggest it would endure up to 95,000 miles at a rate of 26.7 cents per mile. In comparison, the runner-up costs $184 per tire. Vredestein HiTrac We anticipate this will endure for 60,000 miles at a rate of 30.7 cents per mile. The additional 35,000 miles of usage justifies the greater expense of the Michelin tires throughout their lifespan.
To assist you in finding a tire set that offers outstanding all-around performance coupled with lasting value, we have converted our test findings into a dynamic ratings chart That can be searched by vehicle, tire dimensions, tire type, and manufacturer. For locating a durable tire for your car, browse through the suggested options within your chosen category, such as all-season or all-season SUV —by swiping to the right in the ratings section. The tested tread life is included alongside the specifications. As expected, comprehensive information for every tire can be found on its respective model page.
Drive Gently to Conserve Cash
Purchasing tires designed for extended durability isn't the sole method to minimize visits to the tire shop. You can also adopt driving habits and maintenance practices that enhance their lifespan.
Primarily, "Avoid mistreating your tires," advises Gordon Gingras, an automotive engineer at Consumer Reports. Whenever feasible, steer clear of aggressive acceleration, abrupt braking, and sharp turns. Such maneuvers accelerate tire wear. This issue becomes more significant for high-performance cars, as their potent engines may encourage spirited driving.
Ways to Extend the Life of Your Tires
Monitor the pressure. Tires gradually lose air pressure, and incorrect tire pressure can accelerate wear and reduce performance. It's advisable to check the pressure monthly, particularly when the vehicle hasn’t been driven recently, ensuring it matches the recommendation provided in your owner’s manual. (Refer to our ratings and buying guide of tire pressure gauges , and find out What actions should you take when your tire-pressure monitoring system indicator lights up? .)
Rotate the tires regularly. Having a mechanic switch the tire placements on your vehicle—from front to back, for instance—can help them wear uniformly. It’s typically advised by manufacturers to do this every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Be sure to consult your owner's manual for precise recommendations. (Discover How frequently should you rotate your tires? .)
Check the alignment. Correctly positioned wheels can help minimize tire wear. Get an alignment each time you purchase a new set of tires, whenever your vehicle drifts to one side, if your steering wheel isn't parallel with the front wheels when they're facing forward, or if you see irregular wear patterns on the tires.
Get tires balanced. When you get new tires installed, mechanics ensure that they spin smoothly by adding wheel weights to make corrections. If you notice your car shaking or vibrating, bring it to the shop to have the balance checked.
It may seem obvious, but watch out for potholes and other big road bumps or gullies (navigation apps like Waze can often warn you of their presence). Impacts can harm not only your tires but also the wheels and suspension. "Tires can sustain internal structural damage that you can’t see by simply looking at them," says CR’s Pszczolkowski. "The tire may hold air and look fine, but after a really hard pothole strike, it’s worth it to have a professional inspect your tires and wheels for damage that warrants tire replacement or wheel repair."
With potholes, avoid the instinctive response to swerve around them, because overlapping another lane can lead to other risks. Often, moving slightly to the side within your lane can allow the car to straddle the hole. See our pothole survival guide for tips on protecting your tires and wheels.
The Extended-Warranty Question
Choosing a tire with a warranty offers defense against factory flaws and can occasionally include guarantees for tread wear. In order to benefit from a tread wear warranty, proprietors generally must prove that they adhered strictly to the schedule for rotating their tires—thus, hold onto all receipts from the tire service center.
Since the bigger danger for tires is typically punctures more frequently, potholes , and given the high costs for replacement, our experts say it is worth getting a road hazard warranty. This is often included in the purchase or it can be bought as an add-on. (Many major tire retailers For instance, places like BJ’s, Costco, and Tire Rack offer a road hazard warranty as an additional benefit at no extra cost. This type of coverage can be particularly valuable if you've experienced flat tires previously, indicating that your regular routes may expose you to higher risks.
Best Places to Buy Tires
In 2023, we collected responses from 16,899 Consumer Reports members who purchased new tires within a 12-month period. In general, the survey respondents were satisfied with their purchase and installation experience at national auto repair chains, independent retailers, big-box stores, and warehouse clubs.
But there were some significant differences between the highest- and lowest-ranked shops . Just one retailer, Les Schwab Tire Centers, serving 13 states in the western region, stood out for top-tier overall satisfaction. Independent retailers hold second place in the rankings, showing that local businesses often outperform national brands.
Sixteen retailers offered an above-average experience, with nine being considered average. At the bottom of the rankings were Mavis Discount Tire, Pep Boys, and Walmart.
Auto dealerships similarly performed well, offering a practical and fulfilling option. Nonetheless, respondents noted that the costs at these dealerships were some of the priciest in the study.
Whenever you decide to head out for services, our specialists suggest making a call beforehand or placing an order online to avoid wasting time; none of the stores received top marks either for their range of brands and models or for stocking the specific model you're looking for.
See our thorough and comprehensive evaluations of tire dealerships .
More on Tires
• Top Choice Tires: The Leading Car, SUV, and Truck Tires
• Best Tire Brands
• Best Tire Values
• Best Car Tires
• Best SUV/Truck Tires
• Best All-Season Tires
• Best Winter/Snow Tires
• Most and Least Satisfying Tire Retailers
Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the January/February 2025 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2024, Consumer Reports, Inc.
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