Just as long as people understand that 200 number is complete BS... because it's a "relative" TW rating compared to other tires IN THAT BRAND/LINE... it's not a true comparison of one brands tire to the other brand. It's supposed to be.... but this is NOT a government tested program. The ratings are set by the manufacture and then they have 6 months of "actual road use" testing etc.
Copied from The Tire Racks website:
Unfortunately, the rating that is of the most interest to consumers is the one that appears to be the least consistent. While the Treadwear Grade was originally intended to be assigned purely scientifically, it has also become a marketing tool used by manufacturers to help position and promote their tires.
UNQUOTE:
In other words -- one guys 200 might be the other guys 140.... These tests just aren't scientific and there's lots of fudge room.
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