INNER OR OUTER SHOULDER WEAR = MISALIGNMENT
If you examine your tyre and discover that the inner or outer edge of the tyre is wearing down faster than the rest of the tread, your vehicle’s wheel alignment is likely out of specification. This wear pattern indicates that your wheels are leaning too much to one side, which can typically be blamed on misalignment. Alignment problems can affect steering, suspension, and even your safety.
CENTRE WEAR = OVER-INFLATION
If your tyres are wearing down rapidly in the centre of the tread, you may be driving on tyres that are consistently over-inflated. When your tyres are filled over the recommended pressure, they’ll ride along the centre of the tread—this makes the centre of the tread wear down much faster than the rest of the tyre. Review your owner’s manual for the vehicle’s recommended tyre pressure and check your tire pressure regularly!
EDGE SHOULDER WEAR = UNDER-INFLATION
In contrast to centre wear, edge wear may occur when tyres are under-inflated. If you’re driving on tyres that are under-inflated, the edge of the tyres will make the most contact with the road, causing the edges to wear down more quickly. Again, it’s important to check your owner’s manual to get the recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle and get in the habit of checking your tyre pressures regularly! Wear on two shoulders can also indicate hard cornering or improper rotation.
CUPPING = SUSPENSION TROUBLES
If you notice that there are random smooth spots on your tyre or little dips in the tread wear, the culprit could be your vehicle’s suspension system. More specifically, suspension parts are probably worn out or even bent out of shape. If you notice a cupping pattern or feel a slight rumbling sound when you drive, it’s important to get your suspension checked and replace any old or misshapen parts.
DIAGONAL, PATCHY WEAR = TIME FOR TYRE ROTATION
Patchy tyre wear suggests your tyres are out of balance. If you examine your tyres and notice that the wear is uneven, it’s time to have your tyres rotated and probably aligned! By regularly rotating your tyres, you help prevent this uneven wear from worsening over time and you’ll extend the lifespan of your tyres.
