Uneven Tire Wear
Irregular tire wear is an irritating and expensive problem. Even newer tires may have to be replaced if your tires become dangerously worn out on one side. Irregular tire wear can be caused by many different problems ranging from air pressure to improper balance. Below are a few of the most common causes and some solutions:
Causes of Uneven Tire Wear
- Wheel Balance: Wheels that are out of balance spin in irregular motions, even wobbling at times. If you notice that your wheel pulls to the left or right, then it may be time to balance. Other signs include tires that squeal when cornering.
- Air Pressure: Improper air pressure may seem like a small thing, but it can cause you to get less-than-perfect gas mileage. It also causes tires to wear in specific patterns depending upon whether the tire is over or under inflated.
- Bent Wheels: Ever run into a low metal railing or obstacle? This can throw your wheel alignment out but it can also bend a wheel. Sometimes we don’t notice the damage right away. Eventually, you’ll feel an odd vibration in the steering and the tire will begin to wear in strange ways.
Solutions To Uneven Tire Wear Problems
Check each tire’s air pressure monthly. Your owner’s manual will tell you the ideal pressure for your car. Have your tires rotated every 6,000 miles. At this time, your tire guy will check things like the air pressure and wheel alignment. If you do have an accident … even a minor one, do a visual check of the wheels to make sure everything’s okay.
With cars, the longer you let a problem go, the worse it gets. Often, when tires are not wearing evenly, you’ll notice a high hum, especially when traveling down the highway. This is an unmistakable sign that something’s wrong.
Learn to listen to your car especially for those strange noises you’re not used to hearing. Even mechanical problems like loose rods or bad suspension show up first as a strange noise. It may sound like an alien spaceship landing but it’s usually just your car trying to tell you something. If you take care of your car, it will take care of you.
