Why Are Tire Markings Ground Off?
3 Answers
Tire markings are ground off because factory self-inspections have identified non-compliant products, or they could be compliant products, but to avoid the hassle of claims, the markings are directly ground off and shipped as cut-mark products. Apart from factory self-inspections revealing defective tires, ground-mark tires from other channels are of the same quality as genuine tires, except they lack a three-guarantee warranty. Below are the functions of tires: 1. Tires serve as the medium for transmitting forces between the vehicle and the road surface, transferring driving force, braking force, steering force, etc., thereby enabling the vehicle's driving, braking, and steering operations. 2. Supporting the vehicle load. The vehicle's load causes the tire to sink until the average pressure on the tire's contact area balances with the internal inflation pressure. 3. Reducing and absorbing vibrations and impacts during vehicle operation, preventing early damage to vehicle components due to severe vibrations. At the same time, they adapt to the vehicle's high-speed driving conditions, reduce driving noise, and ensure driving safety, comfort, handling stability, and fuel economy.
Tire wear marks usually indicate an issue with the vehicle's alignment system, such as improperly adjusted suspension or incorrect wheel track, causing one side of the tires to bear more pressure. I remember during my last long-distance drive, I clearly felt the steering wheel was slightly off-center. When I stopped to check, I noticed severe wear on the inner side of the front tires while the outer sides looked relatively new. This is also related to tire pressure—uneven pressure leads to uneven wear. Additionally, driving habits play a significant role. Frequent sharp turns or heavy loads can cause tires to wear unevenly over time. It's recommended to check tire pressure at least once a month, ensuring it's within the manufacturer's recommended range, and rotate the tires every 5,000 kilometers to balance wear. Don’t delay—getting a professional alignment check early can prevent blowout risks, saving money and ensuring peace of mind.
When doing DIY car repairs, I found that uneven tire wear is often caused by tire pressure issues, where differences in pressure lead to localized wear. A simple hands-on check: use a tire pressure gauge to measure each wheel, ensuring both sides are consistent; then check the tread depth—if one side wears faster, it might indicate misalignment. Money-saving tips include regularly rotating tire positions, such as swapping front to rear, to slow down wear. Don’t forget to check for loose suspension bolts—I once tightened them and the problem disappeared. If you can’t fix it yourself, timely alignment adjustment by a mechanic can avoid bigger repair costs, as replacing worn tires is expensive. After adopting these habits, my tire lifespan has significantly increased.