What Are the Common Causes of Uneven Tire Wear?
3 Answers
Tire uneven wear has several common causes, including tire ply issues and air pressure problems. The details are as follows: Tire Ply Issues: Check whether the purchased tires are of the same model. Tires of the same model may have different ply ratings, such as load series tires with 16-ply and 18-ply. If the ply rating is incorrect, higher-ply tires will experience accelerated wear. Air Pressure Problems: This issue often occurs with load tires. When tires are used side by side, if one tire has excessively high air pressure, it can cause crown wear, characterized by higher tread patterns on both sides of the tire and accelerated wear in the middle of the tire crown. Insufficient tire pressure can cause the tire to bend inward, reducing contact with the ground and accelerating wear on the outer edges of the tire crown. Uneven air pressure between left and right tires can lead to one-sided wear on the tire with lower pressure.
Tire uneven wear is something I've encountered a few times over the years of driving, with uneven tire pressure being the most common cause. If one side has too low pressure, the tire bears uneven load, causing faster wear on one side over time. For example, my old car often had more severe wear on the inner side of the front tires compared to the outer side, which I later found out was due to wheel alignment issues—poor suspension or steering adjustment. Additionally, stuck brake calipers or faulty shock absorbers can also cause excessive wear on specific parts of the tire. One lesson I've learned is to check tire pressure and chassis suspension before every season change or long trip to prevent such uneven wear. Otherwise, not only does it wear out tires faster, but it can also cause vibrations while driving, affecting handling—more trouble than it's worth. That's why developing a habit of regular maintenance is crucial.
As someone who frequently works on cars, a common cause of uneven tire wear is misaligned wheel positioning, including excessive camber or toe deviation. For example, after prolonged driving, if the alignment isn't regularly calibrated, one side of the tire will wear out prematurely. Another factor is suspension system failure, such as uneven spring stiffness or shock absorber leaks, causing uneven tire pressure distribution. I've also encountered brake system drag causing specific areas to wear unevenly. It's recommended that car owners perform a four-wheel alignment check every six months or after long trips to identify issues early, saving tires and ensuring safety. If uneven wear is detected, first check if the tire pressure is normal, then visit a professional shop to adjust the suspension alignment.
