Your tire tread is very telling on how your tires are holding up. If you notice that your tire wears in the center, edges, or on the outer, they need to be corrected somehow. By inspecting your tires frequently, you can catch any problems and determine whether you need service immediately. To help you interpret your tire tread, here is a short guide on the five most common types of wear patterns.
Patchy Wear
Patchy wear usually suggests that your wheels may be out of balance. Regular tire rotations can also prevent a patchy tire. These maintenance services can prevent the wear from worsening in the future. As soon as you catch this on your tires, reach out to one of our mechanics for a consultation.
Center Wear
If your tires look to be worn in the center, your wheels may be over-inflated. Overfilling your tires is strongly discouraged because it will make your tires wear faster. If you catch this, you should check the tire pressure. It would be best to match the pressure to the number indicated on the driver's door frame.
Edge Wear
Contrastingly, if the wear of your tire is on the edges of the tire, the wheels can be underinflated. Edgewear can lead to premature wear of your tires. Again, measure your pressure with a gauge and refill your tires if necessary!
Cupping Wear
Cupping wear takes place when the wear looks to be diagonal and scalloped. This type of wear usually signals that suspension parts are damaged or worn out. Your suspension system can be compromised if you hit a curb or pothole harshly. If you notice rumbling sounds or unusual vibrations on top of the diagonal wear, bring your vehicle into our shop for a proper inspection by a professional technician.
Inner/Outer Wear
Tire wear on the tire's inner or outer areas is commonly called "toe wear". Alignment issues also bring about this type of wear. You might notice your car drifting to one side when attempting to drive straight.
For tire maintenance and inspections, bring your vehicle to University Chevron. Our team of auto experts can offer you the best solutions to meet your needs. We invite you to give us a call or visit today!