What are the causes of tire wear?
3 Answers
Tire wear reasons are as follows: 1. Large differences in tire pressure; Significant variations in pressure among tires can cause uneven wear. Tire pressure is critical - both overinflation and underinflation will shorten tire lifespan. If only the center wears faster with normal shoulder wear, it's caused by overinflation. If shoulder wear is excessive with normal center wear, it's due to underinflation. 2. Inaccurate wheel alignment; If the four wheels aren't properly aligned to required horizontal and vertical axes, tires on the same side may experience abnormal wear during driving. This occurs because the vehicle's self-correction creates abnormal friction on certain tire areas, accelerating wear. Toe angles that are too small or large cause sawtooth-shaped shoulder wear. Excessive smooth wear on a single shoulder indicates incorrect camber angles. 3. Steering gear or brake system malfunctions. During vehicle use, regular tire rotation is necessary. Since front and rear tires wear differently, owners should rotate tires in a cross pattern after certain mileage to ensure even wear distribution and extend service life.
I've been driving for quite some years now, and tire wear issues are quite common. When driving on highways or long distances, if the wheel alignment isn't set correctly, one side tends to wear out faster, such as with excessive toe-in or camber deviation. If the tire pressure is too low, the tire shoulders wear quickly, and if it's too high, the center wears faster, especially with seasonal pressure fluctuations. Loose suspension components like shock absorbers or ball joints can exacerbate wear when hitting bumps or potholes. Driving habits also play a role—taking turns too sharply or overloading increases the risk of uneven tire wear. I've developed a habit of checking tire pressure monthly using a simple tire gauge and inspecting whether the tread is wearing evenly. If abnormal wear is spotted, like the outer edge wearing flat, I immediately take it to a professional shop for realignment, which can extend tire life by 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers. Additionally, avoiding rough roads and regularly maintaining the suspension system can mostly prevent major issues.
My car repair experience tells me that the main causes of tire wear lie in the chassis system. Misaligned wheel angles and excessive camber can lead to uneven wear on the inner and outer edges. Incorrect toe adjustment causes the wheels to pull against each other when driving straight. Improper tire pressure is the most typical issue – underinflation increases contact area and wears the shoulders, while overinflation concentrates pressure and wears the center. Suspension problems like worn shock absorbers or loose ball joints affect tire contact stability. I usually start by checking tire pressure against the manufacturer's recommended values (typically around 2.3 bar for front tires). Then I visually inspect tread depth – a difference exceeding 2mm warrants attention, and I use tools to calibrate wheel angles. Prompt replacement of aging suspension components is crucial, as delays lead to increased noise and safety risks. Regular comprehensive alignment checks are key to prevention – don't wait until the tread is completely worn down to address issues.
