Your tires do not wear out randomly. They tell a story.
That being said, it’s important to recognize the common tire wear patterns early in order to address the underlying issue before it leads to poor handling, reduced fuel efficiency, or the need for premature tire replacement.
Tires in good condition provide better traction, shorter braking distances, and more stable handling on the road. On the other hand, tires that wear unevenly often are as a result of a mechanical or maintenance issue. Hence, we recommend regularly inspecting your tires to quickly detect signs of a mechanical or maintenance-related problem.
- Tire Wear on Both Sides
When both outer edges are more worn than the centre, underinflation is usually the cause.
Underinflated tires flatten more against the road, increasing friction on the tire which increases the risk of blowouts.
This type of wear can be mitigated early by maintaining proper tire pressure at all times, especially before a long trip.
- Tire Wear on the Inside or Outside Edge
More noticeable wear on one edge of your tire significantly more worn than the other, is often as a result of misalignment. Left unchecked, poor alignment can destroy a relatively new set of tires in a surprisingly short amount of time.
We highly recommend that if your vehicle starts pulling to one side or if the steering wheel is not centred when driving straight, have the alignment checked.
- Tire Wear in the Center.
This is a result of over inflated tires. Excessive pressure causes the tire to bulge, resulting to the center of the tire carrying more load and wearing out faster.
To prevent this, check your tire pressure at least once a month and adjust tire pressure to manufacturer specifications. That small correction can dramatically extend tire life.
- Cupped or Wavy Wear.
This is a telltale sign of a balancing or suspension issue.
Your tire tread feels wavy or looks like it has dips around the surface.
Summary
When the tires do not wear evenly, it often at times indicate an issue with wheel alignment, suspension, tire pressure, balancing, or even driving habits. If you are unsure what your tire wear is telling you, schedule your tire service today at any of our countrywide branches today.