Tires are one of the most important components of a vehicle. That’s why it’s so important to take a few moments periodically to inspect your tires for regular wear and tear or damage. Believe it or not, our tires can tell us a lot about the health of our vehicles. Understanding tire wear patterns can help you understand how well your car is doing.
Tire Wear Patterns and What They Mean
Center Tire Wear: If the center of your tires appears to be wearing down faster than the outer edges, the problem is likely over-inflation. Make sure your tires are properly inflated by periodically checking them yourself. You can find the ideal PSI for your tires by looking on the side of the driver’s side door or in your owner’s manual.
Inner/Outer Tire Wear: If the inner or outer edge of your tire is wearing faster than the rest of the tire, the culprit is likely faulty wheel alignment. On average, you’ll need to have your wheels aligned about every 2-3 years. Wheel alignment service should be performed by a professional, so stop by as soon as you suspect it is time for a wheel alignment.
Cupping Wear: Sporadic, diagonally slanted wear patterns are known as “cupping” wear. If you notice this wear pattern on your tires, head to a shop right away. Cupping wear is usually an indicator of a serious problem regarding your suspension.
Uneven/Random Wear: Random or patchy looking wear patterns typically point to an out of balance tire. A good rule of thumb is to have your tires rotated and balanced every 5,000 miles.