NHTSA data says tyres are better at resisting wear

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has declared from test results tyres are better at resisting wear than they were in 2000. But tyre ratings for traction performance and heat resistance have seen little change. Six per cent of tyres rated between a 500 and a 600 on resisting wear this year, meaning they can last four to six times longer than a basic tyre, and at least 25 tyres had a rating of 700 or higher.

In 2000, there were hardly any meeting 600 and none at 700. The NHTSA website has ratings for more than 2,200 tyres, including some that have been discontinued but may still be on store shelves. .