Did you know there are clues in tire wear patterns that can help you determine if there are issues with your car? We’ve explained important information about your tires and safety.
Car maintenance and upkeep are vital for your safety. Checking your tire wear pattern regularly is a major part of your overall vehicle maintenance. Tire wear, especially premature tire wear, is telling you something, and below we’ve shared what that is.
Five Essential Things You Need To Know About Tire Wear Patterns
#1 Feathering
If you ever notice flaking on one edge of your tire it is called feathering. This happens when the tire is installed crookedly, and that edge of the tire is constantly grinding on the road.
The fix? Visit a licenced mechanic and get the tire put on straight.
#2 Cupping
Craters or cup-like chunks taken out of your tire can indicate that there is something wrong with the components attaching the tire to the car. It can be anything from a ball joint to a wheel bearing.
The fix? Go to a licenced mechanic and get it resolved immediately.
#3 One-Sided Wear
Often the cause of this is an un-aligned vehicle. This simply means the weight of your car is not evenly distributed among the wheels causing one side of the tire treads to take a burden of the wear.
The fix? Take your car to a licenced mechanic to have the wheels realigned.
#4 Inside Wear
This indicates your tire is likely over-inflated. Over-inflation causes the middle of the tire to be more exposed to the road than the edges and then it wears out faster.
The fix? Releasing your tire air pressure to the manufacturer's specification should resolve this issue.
#5 Outside Wear
An under-inflated tire will cause the outside treads to become worn much quicker because the tire is not evenly gripping the road.
The fix? Ensure your tire is inflated to the manufacturer’s specification.
Since we are discussing tire safety – it is important you do not drive winter tires in the summer, we have shared why here.
It’s important to pay attention to your vehicle tire patterns and have a licenced mechanic look when something seems off. Stay safe and if you’re interested in a no-obligation auto quote, please click here.
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