Your car tire tread pattern matters a lot. It impacts your tire performance, such as handling and how much traction they provide. Tire tread wear can tell you if the inflation, angles, and other components are within the recommended specifications. Additionally, your car tires can tell you more about the health and condition of your vehicle. Tire tread wear patterns like edge wear, center wear, cupping, patchy wear, and inner and outer wear can help you understand problems your car may be having.
Common Types of Tire Tread Wear Patterns and What they Mean
Inner or Outer Wear
If your tire's inner or outer edge is wearing faster than the rest of the tread, your car's wheel alignment may be out of specification. This tread wear pattern causes your wheels to lean too much to one side caused by misalignment.
Center Wear
If your tires are wearing out more rapidly at the center, it's a sign of over-inflation. Filling your tires over the recommended pressure makes them ride along the center of the tread. As soon as you notice center wear, make sure your tire pressure matches your vehicle's recommended pressure indicated on the driver's door frame.
Patchy Wear
Patchy wear indicates that your tires may be out of balance. If you inspect your tires and notice uneven wear, it's time for tire rotation and probably alignment. Regular wheels rotation can prevent the patchy wear from worsening over time.
Edge Wear
In contrast to center wear that happens due to over-inflated tires, edge wear may occur when tires are under-inflated. When you drive on under-inflated tires, the edges of the tires make the most contact with the road, causing them to wear down rapidly. Make sure you check your car tire pressure regularly and refill when necessary.
Cupping Wear
If you notice little dips in the tread or diagonal wear, it's a sign your car's suspension system is damaged, bent, or worn out. Suspension parts can be damaged when you hit a curb or a pothole. If you notice a rumbling sound when you drive, make sure to have your suspension inspected by a professional technician.
Compromised tires may cause road accidents if not replaced immediately. If you need new tires, you are welcome to bring your car to Nixon Automotive today.