A tread wear indicator may be molded into the shoulder region of a tire tread and may have three symbols. Two of the symbols may be alphanumeric characters and the third symbol may surround the two symbols. All three symbols may be visible prior to wearing the tread. After the tread has been worn a first amount, the first symbol may be invisible and the second and third symbols may be visible to indicate to the user that a new tire will soon be required. After the tread has been worn a second amount, the first and second symbols may be invisible and the third symbol may be visible to indicate to the user that a new tire is required immediately.