Why Do Tires Develop Wave-like Deformation?
2 Answers
Tire wave-like deformation is caused by low tire pressure. If the tire pressure is too low, the tire surface will deform when it contacts the ground during driving, and the deformation will recover when the surface is no longer in contact with the ground. In the case of high-speed driving, due to the very high rotation speed of the tire, the tire surface will contact the ground again before it can return to its original state, resulting in wave-like deformation. More details are as follows: 1. Wave-like deformation will reduce the service life of the tire. Therefore, it is recommended that everyone check the tire pressure before driving on the highway. 2. Tire pressure should not be too high or too low. If the tire pressure is too high, the contact area between the tire and the ground will become smaller, which will reduce the tire's grip. After the grip is reduced, the vehicle's handling and driving stability will be affected.
Last week when I changed my tires, I noticed wave-like patterns on the wheels. The mechanic explained it's a common issue. Usually, it's caused by problems in the suspension system, like worn-out shock absorbers making the wheels bounce excessively, resulting in this wear pattern. It could also be due to uneven tire pressure—one side higher than the other—which gets worse when driving at high speeds for long periods. I didn’t pay attention at the time, but later the noise got loud and the car body started shaking, which really scared me. Now I’ve learned my lesson—I check tire pressure and suspension components every two months. I recommend everyone develop this habit—don’t wait until something goes wrong to regret it.
