Tire Wear Patterns Guide Naperville, IL
Your vehicle’s tires are a crucial part of your vehicle ā sure, they can affect fuel economy, but they can also affect the safety of you and your passengers. That’s why understanding tire wear patterns is important, even if you’re just taking a short trip between Aurora and Plainfield: you should know when it’s time to rotate your tires or replace them. In some cases, tire wear can also be indicative of a mechanical problem. So be prepared by checking out our tire wear patterns guide.
Tire Wear Patterns and What They Mean
In Center
Tread Wear
Probable Cause
- Tires overinflated
- Use of oversized tires
Appropriate Correction
- Confirm cold inflation pressure matches vehicle’s recommended pressures
- Confirm appropriate rim width and evaluate alternate tire pressures
On Both Shoulders
Tread Wear
Probable Cause
- Tires underinflated
- Vehicle overloaded
Appropriate Correction
- Confirm cold inflation pressure matches vehicle’s recommended pressures
- Confirm load being carried is within vehicle specifications, reduce as necessary
On One Shoulder
Tread Wear
Probable Cause
- Wheel alignment does not match actual driving conditions
- Worn or amaged steering/suspension parts
Appropriate Correction
- Set alignment to most appropriate angles within vehicle’s approved range
- Replace worn or bent parts and align
Heel and Toe Block Wear
Tread Wear
Probable Cause
- Insufficient tire rotation for driving conditions
- Tires underinflated, increasing drag and wear
Appropriate Correction
- Rotate tires more frequently following vehicle’s approved pattern
- Confirm cold inflation pressure matches vehicle’s recommended pressures
Irregular Cupping
Tread Wear
Probable Cause
- Loose steering or suspension components
- Tires and wheels out of balance
Appropriate Correction
- Replace worn struts/shocks and other steering/suspension parts and align
- Correct balance of tires and wheels
Circumferential Split/Star
Sidewall
Probable Cause
- Impact break from road hazard or pothole
- Tire sidewall pinched between road and wheel
Appropriate Correction
- Dismount tire and inspect for interior damage, replace tire if damage found
- Determine if wheel is bent by inspecting for runout, replace wheel if damage is found
Bubble/Bulge
Sidewall
Probable Cause
- Tire sidewall pinched between road and wheel
- Components contaminated during manufacturing
Appropriate Correction
- Dismount tire and inspect, tire manufacturer’s warranty applies if no interior damage is found
- Dismount tire and inspect, interior damage indicates road hazard
Ozone/Weather Cracking
Sidewall
Probable Cause
- Frequent exposure to direct sun and hot temperatures
- Tires exposed to ozone or harsh chemicals
Appropriate Correction
- Evaluate service conditions and attempt to minimize exposure to sun and heat
- Attempt to keep tires away from sources of ozone and chemical exposure
Abrasion of Both Sidewalls
Sidewall
Probable Cause
- Driven on when extremely low on air
- Driven on when flat
Appropriate Correction
- Dismount and inspect tire for interior damage, replace tire if damage is found
Tire Inspection Procedures
It is necessary to examine an entire tire ā beyond just tire wear patterns ā to identify the probable cause for any condition or uneven wear. For example, it is possible that a sidewall bubble may have resulted from a road hazard or improper repair that could only be confirmed by inspecting the interior of the tire.
Highlight the Tire Identification Code (DOT Serial Number) and all suspicious areas with a tire marker as you inspect the tire. Begin by inspecting all of the way around the circumference of the tread area looking for punctures, cuts, foreign objects and any distortion. Then examine the outboard and inboard sidewalls looking for scuffing, cracks, bulges, breaks, cuts or weather cracking. Finally move to the interior of the tire looking for any inner liner penetrations, cracks, blisters or wrinkling.
Of course, we’ll be happy to inspect your tires at Napleton Mazda of Naperville and to make the right recommendation for service or replacement. You can schedule service online or contact us to learn more!