Recognizing tire wear problems can be done by visually observing your tire for warning signs such as cupping, cracking, feathering, uneven wear, or excessive wear. Although new tires can be a solution to tire wear problems, if the main cause is not being addressed properly, then it will still begin to wear prematurely. That’s why, it is very necessary to know the different tire wear conditions in order to identify the main cause of the problem.
Warning Signs
Cupping
What happened is that, the tire is bouncing sideways during parts of its rotation instead of tracking straight down the road. It is caused by suspension problems such as worn out shocks. Any worn component that connects the wheel to the car can cause this condition. Wheels that are out of balance will wear like this. It usually looks like scalloped dips around the edge of the tread on one side or the other. You can’t do much with these tires other than to replace them immediately.
Feathering
Each tread rib edge appears slightly rounded on one side and sharp on the other side. The most common cause of feathering is incorrect toe-in setting. It is usually due to deteriorated bushings in the front suspension which causes the wheel alignment to shift as the car moves on the road. It is best to fix the suspension and rotate your tires if the wear is only slight.
Cuts and Cracking
Both may appear because of over inflation. These damage are irreversible hence, they needed to be replaced immediately.
Over Inflation
Tire inflation pressure should always be checked with a reliable tire gauge. When the air pressure in the tire is too high, it will result to excessive wear at the center of the tread. The only solution for this condition is to replace the wheels or the tires.
Uneven Wear
There are several reasons for this condition. Worn suspension parts, worn shocks, alignment, worn brakes, balance, and improper tire inflation are just some of the reasons. If wearing is more pronounced, then you need to buy a new tire and replace the old one.
Excessive Wear
Your tires are under inflated if the outer tread shows signs of wear. However, too much wear at the center of the tire indicates that you have an over inflating tires. You need to replace your old tires when excessive wear happens.
Causes Of Tire Wear
• Bent Suspension Parts and Sagging Springs
Sagging springs can cause a loss of ride height that throws off wheel alignment. The spring needs to be replaced especially if the ride height is below specifications. But if the tire shows heavy shoulder wear, the camber is out of specifications, but the ride height is okay then the steering knuckle may be bent.
• Worn Struts or Shock Absorbers
When the shock absorbers are worn, you may feel the steering shudder after hitting a bump. When the wheel bounces too much, it indicates that the struts are worn. This is often a result when there is a cupped wear pattern on the tread.
• Soft Rubber Compound
The higher the amount of carbon black and other wear-resistant ingredients in the rubber compound means the longer it will last. Cheaper tires usually use softer rubber compounds. Softer rubber compounds are not for wear resistance however, it is good for dry traction.
• Toe Misalignment
It has the greatest effect on tread wear. When the wheels are out of alignment, tire wear possibilities will increase. You should check all of the four wheel alignment especially if your tires are wearing rapidly. This should also be done when you are buying a new set of tires.