Why Do Tires Wear Unevenly?
2 Answers
Tire uneven wear can be caused by the following reasons: 1. Incorrect wheel alignment. This results in the four tires not aligning properly in the required horizontal and vertical straight lines, causing uneven wear on the same side's tires. If the front or rear wheels do not travel straight, the vehicle self-corrects, leading to abnormal friction and accelerated wear on specific parts of a tire. 2. Inaccurate toe adjustment can also cause uneven wear. Toe refers to the slight inward tilt of the front wheels, similar to pigeon-toed, which is the optimal angle for high-speed stability. All vehicles have a toe angle, and if this angle is not adjusted correctly, it can lead to uneven wear, similar to the first reason. 3. An uneven or deformed frame can also result in uneven wear. For example, some accident-damaged vehicles experience uneven tire wear due to frame or body deformation.
Tire wear is something I've gained a lot of experience with after twenty years of driving. The most common cause is incorrect tire pressure – too high and the center wears out quickly, too low and the sides wear more. This often happens because people forget to check or due to temperature changes. Another major issue is improper wheel alignment, such as incorrect toe or camber angles. Worn suspension systems can also cause this, like what happened with my old car – the steering wheel would shake while driving, but it became much smoother after getting it adjusted at the repair shop. Driving habits also play a big role. Sharp turns, hard braking, and rapid acceleration can all increase wear, especially noticeable after long highway trips. If not fixed promptly, it not only wastes tires but also fuel, and I ended up spending thousands to replace them. In short, checking tire pressure every two weeks and getting professional alignment maintenance can save a lot of trouble.
