Tire Talk: What Are They Telling You?

During your examination you will also want to check for any abnormal wear. If the tread depth is uneven, note where the wear is occurring. You should be able to determine its source and, if it's not too late, correct it before you eat through the rest of your tire's useful life. There are four common causes of premature tire wear: improper inflation, misalignment, lack of rotation and front end wear.

Fighting Inflation
Proper inflation is essential for normal wear on your tires. Unlike the economy, on your car low inflation is a bad thing. If your tires are under-inflated, the sidewall will sag causing excessive wear on the outside areas of the tread. Under-inflation also results in excessive heat, which accelerates wear and may cause a blow out.


Tires that are over-inflated will show wear down the middle, with the outside edges remaining in relatively good condition. This, too, is a bad thing, causing accelerated wear that will decrease your tire's life. Try dropping the pressure down a few pounds to even out the wear.


The key here is checking your tire pressure at least twice a month. Manufacturer recommended tire pressures are usually printed on a label that is placed in the driver's-side door jam. When filling your tires, note the average outside temperature. Hotter temperatures will expand the air in your tires raising the pressure by a few pounds and, at the same time, cooler temperatures will see a reduction in pressure. This is another good reason to check your tire pressure regularly.

Getting it Straight
Wheels that are out of alignment may also cause unusual and excessive tire wear. Tires that are heavily worn on one side or the other are riding at an angle and not flat on the ground. A side effect of this condition is decreased traction due to reduced contact with the road. See your local tire retailer to determine if a wheel alignment will resolve the condition.