subject: Factors That Lead To Premature Tire Wear [print this page] In nearly all cases of premature tire wear, the catalyst can be traced to wheel misalignment or a problem in the car's suspension system. Both circumstances are difficult to detect unless the underlying issue is severe. Since most drivers neglect to check their tires on a regular basis, the treads often wear down to the point of becoming unsafe. The grooves that otherwise provide traction grow increasingly shallow until the rubber's surface is nearly bald.
It's important to be able to identify the cause of premature wear in your tires. That way, you can take steps to resolve the problem rather than allowing a replacement set to wear prematurely. Below, we'll briefly explore different wear patterns, and the factors that cause them.
Inspecting Tread Wear Patterns
There are several patterns of wear you might notice on your treads. One common pattern is feathering, where the treads on one side have a rounded edge while the other side is sharp. Feathering, caused by a toe misalignment, is usually easier to feel with your hand than it is to see.
Another pattern is excessive wearing on one side of the tire. This is caused by a camber misalignment, where the wheel leans too far inward or outward. Extra load is placed on that portion of the tread, causing it to wear.
You may also see cupping on one side, which usually exposes a problem with your car's suspension system. In most cases, it can be traced to the struts and shocks, though worn ball joints, springs, and bushings can also cause it.
Lastly, premature wear may also occur in the center of the tire, or on both sides. The former is caused by too much air pressure (i.e. overinflation) while the latter is caused by too little pressure (i.e. underinflation).
What Causes Toe Misalignment?
Toe alignment problems are usually caused by worn inner and outer tie rod ends. Normally, the ends should display little to no indication of play when the steering is adjusted. If you see any "give" in the joints, it means the tie rod ends have worn out. Replacements are necessary.
Often, drivers will notice feathering on their treads, and invest in a replacement set of tires. This doesn't resolve the underlying issue. While the new treads will improve steering response, they will be susceptible to the same problem as the old set: toe misalignment. Unless toe is adjusted, and the root cause (i.e. worn tie rod ends) is addressed, the new set of tires will wear prematurely.
Wear Due To Tire Inflation Problems
Earlier, overinflation and underinflation were mentioned as factors contributing to early tire wear. It's worth clarifying why this happens.
When your tires are overinflated, their centers bulge. This causes your vehicle to place excess load on the center of your treads, and minimal load on the shoulders. Thus, the centers wear more quickly than the shoulders.
When your tires are underinflated, a disproportionate amount of load is placed on the shoulders. This causes the opposite effect of overinflation: the shoulders wear more quickly than the center. Of the two circumstances, underinflation is more common. This is because air pressure dissipates slowly over time, often without the notice of drivers.
Issues With Your Suspension System
There are several parts of your car's suspension that can lead to early tread wear. It was mentioned earlier that worn tie rod ends can cause toe misalignment, leading to feathering. It was also pointed out that worn struts and shocks can cause cupping. In addition to these parts, your suspension's coil and leaf springs can become worn to the point they sag, and affect your vehicle's ride height. This in turn can impact wheel alignment (typically, camber), which will cause premature wear.
If you notice excessive tread wear, it is important to identify - and resolve - the root cause. Otherwise, a replacement set of tires will be vulnerable to the same problem.
