Best Tires For Kia Optima

‍Kia Optima Tire Sizes

There are a lot of great tires on the market, but you want to make sure that you buy a set that is compatible with your Kia Optima. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all tire option for the Optima, so you should confirm the tire size you are looking for before making any commitments.

Since its initial launch in 2000, the Kia Optima has been released under various model names, such as the Kia Magentis, Kia K5, and Kia Lotze. Depending on your model, you may find that some tires can be used interchangeably with the Kia Optima’s sub-models. These are the standard tire sizes for the Kia Optima:

• 215/50R17
• 215/55R17
• 225/45R18
• 235/45R18
• 205/60R15
• 205/55R16
• 205/60R16
• 205/65R16

Double-check that the tire you are considering is a match for your Kia Optima before you buy. You can identify your Kia Optima tire size by reviewing your owner’s manual, as well as the size indicator labeled on the rubber of the tire.

Best Kia Optima All-Season Tires

The most common tires used with the Kia Optima are all-season models. An all-season tire will strike a perfect balance between performance and practicality, which is exactly what most Kia Optima drivers are looking for. Instead of maximizing dry/wet performance, handling, and cornering, all-season models offer well-rounded specs across the board so that you can drive your Optima in virtually any condition. If you are the type of driver that wants to install a set of tires without overthinking performance, you really can’t go wrong with an all-season model.

All-season tires have a unique rubber compound that features silica - enabling superior traction in various types of driving conditions. You can drive in rain, heat, and even light snow with a set of all-season tires, making them the most straightforward option for anyone looking for a one-stop-shop solution.

One of the main benefits of opting for an all-season model is that you may not have to change your tires throughout the year. Winter drivers who have to deal with snow are generally forced to swap out tires seasonally. While all-season tires are not a replacement for snow tires, they are designed to handle mild winter conditions. With that said, let’s dive into the best all-season tires for the Kia Optima.

Michelin Defender T + H (Best Overall All-Season Tire)

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Michelin is one of the most reputable tire manufacturers in the industry, and their Defender T + H model is the best of what the brand has to offer in the all-season category. This all-season tire is perfect for any Kia Optima driver who wants to have balanced performance and long-term durability.

The Defender T + H features Michelin’s signature Evertread rubber compound, which is designed for versatility and practicality. Whether it is dry and wet performance or handling and cornering, the Michelin Defender T + H ticks every box - making it one of the best all-season models for the Kia Optima.

Dry Performance

The Michelin Defender T + H tire features an asymmetric tread pattern that gives it excellent performance in dry conditions.

Michelin’s rubber compound and tread enhance handling and acceleration, improving your Kia K5’s safety and performance.

When tested in dry conditions, the Michelin Defender T + H had excellent traction. If you upgrade to this all-season model from a budget tire, you will feel a big difference in your Kia Optima’s performance.

Wet Performance

I was very impressed by how well the Michelin Defender T + H handled wet conditions for an all-season tire. Michelin’s Intellisipe Technology makes this all-season model stand out amongst the bulk of its competition.

With interlocking zig-zag sipes, the Michelin Defender T + H has excellent traction in wet conditions - enabling better braking and acceleration. Wet performance is a crucial characteristic, as this improves not only the capabilities of your vehicle but also its safety rating.

If you are looking for a reliable all-season tire with solid wet performance, the Michelin Defender T + H is a great option to consider.

Winter Performance

The Michelin Defender T + H is not a winter tire, and it’s not pretending to be. This is an all-season model through and through, which is why you should not expect world-class performance in snowy conditions.

With that said, when tested in light snow, the Michelin Defender T + H did not disappoint. I found that traction in light snow was reliable and consistent, which is why a lot of drivers who live in areas with mild winters often go for this model. However, if you are searching for a tire that can handle dense snow and ice, you should look elsewhere.

Comfort

Comfort is a characteristic that every driver values, regardless of their performance needs. The Defender T + H is a comfortable tire overall, and it features Michelin’s signature Comfort Control Technology.

This tire’s computer-optimized design significantly improves comfort and eliminates vibrations on the road. I also found the Michelin Defender T + H all-season tire to be very quiet - with minimal noise while driving on the highway.

Tread Life

Replacing tires is not only time-consuming but also pricey. If you are tired of changing your tires every few years, the Michelin Defender T + H is built to last.

With these Michelin tires on your Kia Optima, you can expect a tread life of roughly 80,000 miles. Michelin’s advanced tread design and rubber compound give this tire a prolonged tread life that beats the bulk of other all-season models on the market.

Price

The Michelin Defender T + H is a quality all-season tire with an advanced design, which does equate to a higher price tag.

You can pick up a Michelin Defender T + H set at Discount Tire at a starting price of $137 per tire. While this may be more than what most people are willing to spend on a set of tires, the increased performance and long tread life make the Michelin Defender T + H a worthy investment for many Kia Optima drivers.

Performance Overview

• Overall Performance - 92%
• Dry Performance - 94%
• Wet Performance - 91%
• Comfort - 92%
• Tread - 91%

General Altimax RT43 (Best-Value All-Season Tire)

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General has some world-class tires available for the Optima - with the Altimax RT43 being the best of their all-season line-up. This is General’s new and improved Altimax tire model, and it features enhanced specs and performance capabilities that are superior to its predecessor.

The balanced specs of the General Altimax RT43 make this a great tire for anyone driving a sedan like the Kia Optima. You can expect well-rounded performance in virtually every category, as this is an all-season model that can do it all.

Dry Performance

The Altimax RT43 was designed with a symmetric tread pattern that gives it excellent dry performance. Although this model cannot match up to the performance of a summer tire, it holds its own as an all-season model.

The General Altimax RT43 displayed top-notch handling and cornering when tested in dry conditions. The driving performance feels smooth and dependable - with excellent traction when braking and accelerating.

Wet Performance

Wet performance can often be a bit of a toss-up with some all-season models, but not with the General Altimax RT43. General designed this all-season model with a twin cushion silica tread compound that gives it outstanding performance in wet conditions.

With General’s anti-slip sipe design, you can rest assured that your Kia Optima will have reliable braking, cornering, and acceleration on wet and rainy roads.

Winter Performance

Winter performance is rarely something that all-season tires deliver on - making them less favorable to drivers living in colder regions. While the Altimax RT43 cannot compete with the performance of a winter tire, General’s anti-slip sipe design has greatly improved this all-season model’s ability to handle light snow.

If you are tired of changing your tires seasonally, the General Altimax RT43 may just be the all-season tire that gets you through the winter. This tire can handle light snow remarkably well - with slips and hydroplaning being practically unheard of.

Comfort

The ride quality of the General Altimax RT43 is first-rate. General designed these tires to be comfortable and quiet so that you can enjoy your drive from start to finish every time you hit the road.

I was impressed with General’s Acoustic Modulation Sound Technology, which does an amazing job of dampening road noise. I found that sounds and vibrations were barely noticeable when driving - even while on the highway at high speeds.

If comfort is a quality you value when driving, the General Altimax RT43 is an all-season tire that you should not overlook.

Tread Life

One of the only minor drawbacks of the General Altimax RT43 is its tread life. While this model tops the tread expectancy of just about any performance tire, it ranks mediocre at 65,000 to 75,000 miles in the all-season category.

If you take care of your tires, there is no reason that you cannot reach the 75,000-mile mark, but if you excessively strain the rubber, expect a lower tread life. The good news is that General has backed this all-season tire with a warranty for the predicted tread expectancy, so you know you are covered in case you run into issues.

Price

Finding a quality all-season tire at a reasonable price can be tricky - especially with so much competition on the market. However, one of the best qualities of the General Altimax RT43 is its price tag.

You can pick up a set of these all-season tires at Discount Tire at a starting price of just $83 per tire. This is a great value tire with solid specs across the board, which is why it is hands down the best bang for your buck deal in the all-season line-up.

Performance Overview

• Overall Performance - 90%
• Dry Performance - 91%
• Wet Performance - 88%
• Comfort - 90%
• Tread - 87%

Michelin Premier A/S (Best Performance Touring All-Season Tire)

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The Michelin Premier A/S is a grand touring all-season tire with an excellent performance rating. As the demand for all-season tires continues to grow, companies like Michelin have raised the bar for what tires in this class can deliver.

This grand touring all-season tire is a perfect option for any Kia Optima driver that primarily uses their vehicle for commuting. With an advanced tread design that enhances reliability and performance in virtually every category, the Michelin Premier A/S is a tire that can handle just about anything you throw at it.

Dry Performance

The Michelin Premier A/S’s dry performance is on point. I found that cornering and handling were superior to virtually all other all-season models on the market - making this one of the best grand touring options available.

Michelin’s brand-new rubber compound has given this tire a significant boost in dry performance, improving acceleration and braking from previous generation models.

Wet Performance

Safety is an essential quality I look for in every tire - especially when it comes to wet performance. Michelin strived to design a tire that could perform as well in wet conditions as it could in dry, which it was remarkably able to achieve.

This grand touring all-season tire features a sunflower oil tread compound that gives it excellent traction in wet conditions. Michelin’s advanced rubber compound dramatically improves this tire’s safety rating and cornering abilities.

The Premier A/S is equipped with Michelin’s EverGrip safety technology. This tire's sipe design enables the rubber to expand as the grooves start to get worn down. Once the rubber begins to deteriorate, the sipes will expand and continue to provide great traction on wet roads.

After testing these tires in heavy rain, the traction was simply superb. You can drive in wet conditions with absolute confidence when you install the Michelin Premier A/S on your Kia Optima.

Winter Performance

Michelin’s sunflower oil and silica tread compound not only improve the wet performance of this touring all-season tire but also make it a solid contender as a winter tire.

The Premier A/S can outperform most of the all-season models on the market in snow conditions. That does not imply that you should solely rely on these touring all-season tires for intense winters.

However, when tested in light snow and ice, the Michelin Premier A/S passed with flying colors - displaying reliable traction and handling. If you are looking for an all-season tire that you can actually count on for all seasons, the Michelin Premier A/S is going to be hard to beat.

Comfort

Given the winter and wet performance specs of the Michelin Premier A/S, I was surprised by how comfortable the ride was. This touring all-season tire feels incredibly smooth, and you will hardly notice the road while driving.

After testing the Michelin Premier A/S on the highway, there were virtually zero bumps or vibrations - making this a solid option for anyone who values comfort when driving.

Tread Life

Increased performance often equates to decreased tread life, which is, unfortunately, the case with the Michelin Premier A/S. I was disappointed to see a tread life expectancy of just 60,000 miles for this touring all-season tire.

While this shatters the tread life of a performance tire, it falls short as far as all-season models go. With that said, if you value wet and snow performance in your tires, the decreased tread life is a small price to pay.

Luckily, the Michelin Premier A/S is backed with a warranty for the first 60,000 miles. So you know you are in good hands in case you run into any technical issues with the tire.

Price

Despite the top-notch performance specs of the Michelin Premier A/S, this grand touring tire is available for a reasonable price of $128 per tire at Discount Tire. Make sure to correctly choose the tire size for this model, as this heavily impacts the price.

Performance Overview

• Overall Performance - 93%
• Dry Performance - 90%
• Wet Performance - 94%
• Comfort - 92%
• Tread - 88%

Cooper CS5 Grand Touring Tire (Best Overall Touring All-Season Tire)

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Cooper is an iconic tire manufacturer with over 100 years of experience in the industry. They have an expansive line-up of tire options suitable for the Kia Optima, but the Cooper CS5 stands out as their overall best touring all-season model.

The Cooper CS5 is a touring tire superior to just about every other model in its class. Cooper’s latest rubber compound has not gone unnoticed, which is why a lot of drivers have their eyes on the CS5 this year. If you are looking for an all-arounder that excels in every performance category, the Cooper CS5 is a model you should not overlook.

Dry Performance

When tested in dry conditions, the CS5 displayed excellent handling and cornering across the board. This tire features a 5-rib asymmetric tread pattern that allows the rubber to stick to the road like glue without sacrificing performance.

You will find nothing short of world-class acceleration and braking when you install the Cooper CS5 tire onto your Kia Optima. If you are looking for dry performance without upgrading to a summer tire, this is it.

Wet Performance

One of the characteristics that make the Cooper CS5 such a great tire is its rubber compound. When designing the CS5, Cooper used roughly four times more silica compared to other tires of the same class.

This gives the CS5 a serious edge in wet performance. After testing this grand touring all-season tire in wet conditions, I was astonished by how flawless the driving experience was. I found that the CS5 had exceptional traction on wet roads - even during heavy rains.

Not only does this massively increase your vehicle's performance, but it also makes driving considerably safer. If wet performance is your priority, few all-season tires even come close to the Cooper CS5.

Winter Performance

By combining their advanced rubber and silica compound with 3D micro-gauge grooves, Cooper was able to design a dynamic touring all-season tire that could drive through light snow effortlessly. Although the CS5 is not officially classified as a winter tire, its ability to handle winter conditions will make you think otherwise.

The CS5 is a solid option for anyone living in a region that receives light snow throughout the year. With that said, dense snow and ice are not going to be as reliable. Ultimately, this is still a touring all-season tire, so you should not expect top-of-the-line snow performance.

Comfort

There is nothing worse than getting onto the highway and hearing that obnoxious humming sound you get with many budget tires. That is why Cooper designed the CS5 with comfort in mind so that you can drive undisturbed the second you get in your car.

I found that the Cooper CS5 was among the most comfortable tires in the all-season department - with hardly any sounds, bumps, or vibrations.

Tread Life

With the specs and performance capabilities of the Cooper CS5 in mind, I was very impressed by the tread life on this grand touring all-season model. You can expect to get at least 80,000 miles of driving in before needing to change these tires. If you are still not sold on the CS5, Cooper has backed the tread life with a warranty.

This is one of the best tread life ratings in the all-season category, and you may only end up needing to swap these out after 6 to 8 years of driving. At the end of the day, a shorter tread life implies more hassles and costs down the line, which is why a lot of Kia Optima drivers value longevity when shopping for tires.

Price

The Cooper CS5 tire is one of the best-value options on our list, as it offers top-notch specs at a very reasonable price. You can pick up a set of these touring all-season tires at Discount Tire at a starting price of just $86 per tire.

Performance Overview

• Overall Performance - 94%
• Dry Performance - 92%
• Wet Performance - 94%
• Comfort - 90%
• Tread - 93%

Best Kia Optima High-Performance Tires

Although the Kia Optima is technically a sedan, a lot of drivers still want to achieve the best performance possible from their vehicle. Upgrading to a high-performance tire from a budget or all-season model is guaranteed to improve your Optima’s on-road capabilities.

Summer tires have traditionally been a go-to option for a lot of drivers. This type of tire will significantly improve your vehicle’s handling and cornering abilities, which is why a lot of people who drive sports cars tend to opt for summer UHP models.

With that said, summer tires come with their fair share of drawbacks. They are particularly known for having a very short tread life and are not suitable for dynamic driving conditions. If you decide to go with a high-performance summer tire, be prepared to swap them out seasonally and bank on a shorter tread life.

On the other hand, if you want top-of-the-line performance and practicality in one package, then you should consider a high-performance all-season model. Much like the name suggests, these are all-season tires with enhanced specs, giving drivers the best of both worlds. Let’s dive into the best high-performance tires for the Kia Optima.

Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport (Best High-Performance Summer Tire)

There are few names in the tire industry that carry as much weight as Bridgestone. This manufacturer has consistently released some of the best tires on the market, and their summer UHP line-up is more impressive than ever.

Bridgestone's latest Potenza RE760 Sport is a top-notch summer tire that will take your Kia Optima’s performance to the next level. This is a high-performance summer tire through and through, offering top-of-the-line capabilities in the right conditions.

Dry Performance

The dry performance of the Potenza RE760 Sport is simply phenomenal. This high-performance summer tire is designed with Bridgestone's advanced Semi-Slick Shoulder design, which will give your Kia Optima’s handling a significant boost.

With the Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport summer tires equipped on your Kia Optima, you can corner like a pro with total confidence in dry conditions.

Wet Performance

After testing in wet conditions, the Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport displayed tier-1 performance. The advanced tread design and rubber compound enable superior traction - giving the tires a reliable grip on wet roads.

The increased traction makes hydroplaning nearly impossible, as the wide grooves prevent water from seeping into the rubber.

Winter Performance

If your area receives even mild winters, be ready to swap these high-performance summer tires out seasonally. The Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport was designed to do one thing - enhance your vehicle’s sports performance in mild weather conditions.

Taking your Kia Optima out in light snow or ice with these tires will result in poor performance and increased safety risks.

Comfort

This Bridgestone summer tire is very comfortable, and you will hardly feel any bumps or noise while driving.

Bridgestone designed the Potenza RE760 Sport with two high-quality steel rods wrapped in nylon, which significantly dampens road noise and vibrations.

Tread Life

One of my biggest issues with summer tires is their very poor tread life. High-performance tires usually don’t do very well when it comes to longevity - with the Potenza RE760 Sport’s 30,000-mile tread life expectancy ranking mediocre at best.

Price

The Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport is not a budget tire, and the relatively short tread life implies that they will not last long.

However, if you want to make the most of your Kia Optima’s performance, the Potenza RE760 is one of the best models on our list. You can buy this high-performance summer tire at Discount Tire for a starting price of $176.

Performance Overview

• Overall Performance - 88%
• Dry Performance - 94%
• Wet Performance - 93%
• Comfort - 90%
• Tread - 81%

Dunlop Direzza DZ102 (Best-Value High-Performance Summer Tire)

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A lot of people driving casual vehicles like sedans tend to stay clear of high-performance summer tires due to their increased price and short tread life. Although the Dunlop Direzza DZ102 does not deliver on tread life, it costs considerably less than a high-end summer tire - making it one of the best value performance models on our list.

Dry Performance

If you are upgrading your Kia Optima’s tires from an all-season model, you will notice a huge difference in performance as soon as you install the Direzza DZ102 summer tires on your vehicle.

These tires will make your sedan feel like a sports car as you can corner with precision on turns and curves. The Dunlop Direzza DZ102 tires feature a directional tread pattern that enables excellent traction and acceleration.

Wet Performance

Dunlop designed this summer tire with wide circumferential grooves, which increases wet performance considerably. Your chances of hydroplaning will be next to none when you install the Dunlop Direzza DZ102 summer tires on your Kia Optima.

Winter Performance

You can forget about winter performance with the Dunlop Direzza DZ102 tires. These summer tires will handle winter conditions horribly - including light snow and ice. You should look elsewhere if you need a tire that can drive in mild winter weather.

Comfort

Dunlop’s Jointless Band technology makes driving feel incredibly smooth and natural. For a summer tire that mainly focuses on performance, I found that the Dunlop Direzza DZ102 had an above-average comfort rating.

Tread Life

Much like with most summer tires, the Dunlop Direzza DZ102 does not excel when it comes to tread life. These are summer tires to their core, and longevity is simply not a characteristic that this class is known for.

Dunlop has not officially labeled these summer tires with a tread expectancy, but you can expect 20,000 to 25,000 miles to be quite standard, given the specs.

Price

One of the best selling points of this high-performance summer tire is its price. You can pick up a set of the Dunlop Direzza DZ102 at Discount Tire at a starting price of $106 per tire.

For a tire with this kind of performance, the Dunlop Direzza DZ102 is one of the best value models on the market.

Performance Overview

• Overall Performance - 86%
• Dry Performance - 93%
• Wet Performance - 90%
• Comfort - 88%
• Tread - 79%

Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 (Best High-Performance All-Season Tire)

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A lot of drivers have a hard time deciding between all-season tires and a summer performance models, and understandably so. If you value practicality and performance, there is no better option than a UHP all-season model like the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06.

This Continental tire is a game-changer for the UHP all-season category, offering enhanced specs, reliable performance, and longevity in one package.

Continental has been manufacturing world-class tires for over a century, and they continue to prove themselves as one of the leading companies in the industry - with the ExtremeContact DWS06 being their superior UHP all-season model.

Dry Performance

The Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 has remarkable performance in dry conditions. The asymmetric tread pattern makes handling and cornering superior to that of any standard all-season model.

Wet Performance

The wet performance of the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 is on point. Continental designed this UHP all-season tire with silica and +Silane additives, which give it top-of-the-line traction in wet conditions.

With these installed, you can drive confidently on wet roads in your Kia Optima without having to worry about hydroplaning when the weather turns.

Winter Performance

My biggest issue with regular all-season tires is that they rarely deliver on winter performance, which is a major red flag for anyone living in a colder region.

The Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 features a sophisticated tread design and X-Sipe technology, enabling this UHP tire to perform remarkably well in winter conditions. After testing this tire in snow, the traction was superb and precise.

If you are looking for a tire that can take care of your driving needs all year long, there is no better option on the market than the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06.

Comfort

The DWS06 has a solid comfort rating overall. When driving on the highway at high speeds, I found that the tires hardly produced any noise or vibrations and that the ride felt smooth and crisp.

Tread Life

Tread life tends to diminish with UHP tires, which can be a drawback for a lot of Kia Optima drivers. That said, the 50,000-mile tread expectancy is very reasonable for a tire with these specs and performance capabilities.

You can enjoy enhanced performance and versatility without needing to get your tires changed every 20,000 miles with a set of the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 tires on your Kia Optima.

Price

If you are still not sold on these world-class UHP all-season tires, the affordable price tag puts the DWS06 within reach of most budget shoppers. You can buy a set of the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 at Discount Tire for $124 per tire.

Given the specs, tread life, and price tag of the DWS06, this is one of the best bang-for-your-buck deals on our list, offering superior performance and practicality that is unmatched by virtually any tire from its class.

Performance Overview

• Overall Performance - 96%
• Dry Performance - 95%
• Wet Performance - 94%
• Comfort - 90%
• Tread - 90%

Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 (Best High-Performance Winter Tire)

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If you live in a region with severe winter weather, finding the right set of tires that you can count on is essential. There are some great winter tires on the market, but the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 stands out as far as specs and performance capabilities.

Dry Performance

One of the characteristics that truly makes the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 unique is its dry performance.

Bridgestone intentionally designed this winter tire to have exceptional handling in dry conditions. This implies that you do not have to rush to get your winter tires changed as soon as the season starts to transition.

Wet Performance

Given the winter-capable design of the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90, this tire’s tread actually performs better in wet conditions than in dry. The tread blocks prevent hydroplaning, and you will experience increased traction on wet roads.

Winter Performance

The winter performance of this tire is simply unmatched by virtually any competitive model in its class. Bridgestone designed the Blizzak WS90 to handle severe snow and ice so drivers can rely on these tires, regardless of their winter climate.

The multi-cell rubber compound prevents ice and snow from building up in the tire, and the latest model of the Blizzak WS90 features 30% more tread block stiffness compared to the previous WS80 model. All in all, this is a winter tire that will not let you down.

Comfort

For a winter tire, the Blizzak WS90 has a solid comfort rating overall. My biggest complaint is that there is a bit of road noise, which is to be expected with many winter tires.

As soon as you get on the highway, you will notice more noise than you would with an all-season model, which is a small price to pay for enhanced winter performance.

Tread Life

The tread life of the Blizzak WS90 is a bit unclear, as it is not officially listed by Bridgestone.

Although 12,000 to 15,000 miles seems to be the overall consensus, there have been reports of drivers getting upwards of 35,000+ miles before needing to change them.

Ultimately, how you drive will impact the tread considerably. I would advise drivers to change these tires seasonally, and avoid using them in mild dry conditions.

Price

You can pick up a set of the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 winter tires at Discount Tire for $102 to $249, depending on your tire size.

Performance Overview

• Overall Performance - 89%
• Dry Performance - 90%
• Wet Performance - 94%
• Winter Performance - 97%
• Comfort - 82%
• Tread - 83%