Tire Wear Patterns

Tire wear patterns are diagnostic tools. The way a tire wears tells you exactly what is wrong with the vehicle before you put it on a rack. Learn to read them and you can diagnose alignment, suspension, and inflation problems from the parking lot.

Excessive wear down the center of the tread with the shoulders still showing good tread depth means overinflation. The tire is ballooned outward and only the center contacts the road. Reduce pressure to the placard specification.

Both shoulders worn evenly with the center still showing tread means underinflation. The tire is sagging under the vehicle weight and the edges carry the load. This is one of the most common wear patterns because most people do not check tire pressure regularly.

One shoulder worn significantly more than the other side indicates a camber problem. Inside edge wear is excessive negative camber. Outside edge wear is excessive positive camber. A worn ball joint, worn strut mount, bent strut, or bent knuckle can all cause camber to shift on one corner. Align first, but investigate why camber is out — it does not change on its own without a worn or damaged component.

Run your hand across the tread — if it feels smooth in one direction and rough or jagged in the other, the tire is feathered. Feathering is caused by incorrect toe alignment. This is the fastest wear pattern — incorrect toe can destroy a set of tires in 10,000 miles. Check and correct toe immediately. Feathering almost always indicates worn tie rod ends that allowed toe to drift.

Dips or cups worn into the tread surface in an irregular wavy pattern indicate worn shock absorbers or struts. The tire is bouncing against the road surface instead of maintaining steady contact. Replace the worn dampers and the new tires will wear evenly.