A tire tread has at least one cavern formed in the sidewall of the traction elements of the tire. The cavern has a base with information therein to indicate the state of wear of the tire and a ceiling that is progressively worn away as the tread wears. Multiple caverns may be formed in the traction elements. If arranged in a series at progressively increasing or decreasing radial heights, the remaining tread life is communicated to an operator. If the caverns are located in different locations of the tread, relative wear patterns of the tire can also be indicated.