What does tire cupping mean?
2 Answers
Vehicle tire cupping refers to the abnormal accelerated wear on the inner or outer side of one or more tires. Compared to other tires, a specific part of one tire wears out much faster. When inspecting the tire, the tread wear is noticeably quicker than other tires or the opposite side of the same tire, leading to uneven wear and premature tire failure. The causes of tire cupping include: 1. Inaccurate wheel alignment, causing cupping when two wheels on the same side operate or when front and rear wheels are misaligned; 2. Incorrect toe adjustment can also lead to cupping. 3. Steering gear failure may result in cupping or pulling to one side; 4. An uneven or deformed chassis can cause abnormal tire wear; 5. Mixing tires of different specifications or having significantly different tire pressures can also cause cupping.
Last time, the rear tires of my car wore out unusually fast, and upon inspection, I found it was a case of uneven tire wear, known as 'tire cupping.' I discovered this was due to a slightly loose suspension system and misalignment, causing the rear tires to wear more on one side. After taking the time to repair it, the tires now last much longer, saving me a lot of money. I recommend regularly checking the tread depth of your tires. If the wear is uneven on the left and right sides, it’s likely a tire cupping issue, and you should promptly visit a professional shop to adjust the suspension or get a wheel alignment. Also, pay attention to maintaining the correct tire pressure while driving—too low or too high can accelerate wear, especially during long trips. This experience taught me the importance of being meticulous with car maintenance and not waiting until the tires are completely bald to take action.
