The tires on your vehicle help keep you safe when you’re on the road, so it’s important to make sure they’re in good condition. Certain signs of wear can indicate a problem, so keeping an eye on the tires every time you fuel up can help you stay on top of any potential issues and get them resolved.
Shoulder Wear
When the tire shows more signs of wear on the inner or outer edge, the alignment of the wheels is likely to blame. This wear pattern on the shoulder of the tire usually means that the tires are leaning inward or outward too far, causing the edges of the tire to remain connected with the road.
Excessive wear on the edges can compromise the integrity of the tire, so hitting a large bump or a hot spot in the road could cause the tire to blow. Alignment problems can also impact the suspension and steering of the vehicle, so it’s critical to get it checked out and fixed as soon as possible.
Cupping
Cupping on a tire refers to random smooth patches or dips in the wear of the tread. This is usually the result of a suspension problem, such as a component of the suspension that is bent or worn out. If you spot this pattern in the tread of your tires, take your vehicle in for a suspension check. Misalignment and damage to the suspension can occur if you drive over a pothole or bump into a curb.
Center Wear
If the middle section of your tires is smooth, you may be putting too much air in them. Over-inflated tires tend to put more pressure on the center of the tread, causing this area to wear out faster than the rest of the tires. Check your owner’s manual to figure out the recommended tire pressure and don’t go even a pound over the highest recommendation. Properly inflating your tires can also improve your fuel economy and provide a smooth, comfortable ride.
Edge Wear
In the center of your tires, the tread pattern edges shouldn’t be drastically more worn out than the other sections of the tread. If you see that these areas are smoothing out faster, this may mean that your tires aren’t inflated enough. During the winter months, the tire pressure tends to drop slightly, so make sure you’re checking often and adding more air as needed to reach the recommended pressure settings in all four tires.
Diagonal Patches
When the tires show signs of wear in a diagonal pattern, you need to take your vehicle in for a rotation and balance. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, tires should be rotated and balanced every 5,000 miles. Additionally, the NHTSA reports that keeping up with this maintenance service can extend the life of your tires by 4,700 miles.
If you spot any of these concerning wear patterns on your car’s tires, it may be time to bring your vehicle in for a tuneup. Continuing to drive on the tires could lead to premature wear and even increase the risk of experiencing a blowout when you’re on the road.
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