Tires: wear ratings, conservative approach, according to the rules

Question
 hi!  i would like to ask you if there is a significant difference between a wear rating of 500 vs. a rating of 540. thanks!

Answer
James,

There is probably not a significant difference between a tire rated 500 and 540 for tread wear.

There is a givernment mandated wear test to determine this number, but what gets put on the sidewall of a tire is determined by the manufacturer.  According to the rules, the number must be TRACEABLE to the test, which means the test could have been conducted 10 years ago on a completely different tire.  Plus the marketing folks could decide to use a conservative approach - or an agressive approach.

I think that within 10%, the numbers should be treated like they are the same.

Hope this helps.