What Causes Outer Edge Tire Wear?

[McCatherine]

Tire outer edge wear can be caused by four main factors: incorrect wheel alignment, inaccurate toe adjustment, steering gear failure, and mixed tire installation. Incorrect wheel alignment: When wheels on the same side operate or front/rear wheels are misaligned, uneven tire wear occurs. The vehicle's self-correction leads to abnormal increases in friction at specific tire contact points and accelerated wear. Inaccurate toe adjustment: Front wheels slightly inclined inward at a toe-in angle (similar to pigeon-toed) represent the optimal angle for high-speed stability. Poor adjustment of this toe angle can also cause uneven tire wear. Steering gear failure: Malfunctions in the steering gear may lead to uneven tire wear or vehicle pulling. Mixed tire installation: Using tires of different specifications or with significant pressure variations between tires can cause uneven wear. Solutions: Regular tire rotation is essential. Severe inner shoulder wear showing outward tapering mainly results from delayed rotation, upward bending of axle ends causing excessive inner load, or incorrect negative camber. Severe outer shoulder wear showing outward tapering indicates positive camber misalignment or prolonged lack of rotation. During regular rotation: when outer shoulder wear predominates, camber is excessive; when inner tread wear predominates, camber is insufficient.