TIRE CONDITIONS

Causes and Corrections

TREAD WEAR - IN CENTER

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

TREAD WEAR - ON BOTH SHOULDERS

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

TREAD WEAR - ON ONE SHOULDER

PROBABLE CAUSE

  • Wheel alignment does not match actual driving conditions
  • Worn or damaged steering/suspensions parts


APPROPRIATE CORRECTION

  • Set alignment to most appropriate angles withing vehicle's approved range
  • Replace worn or bent parts and align

TREAD WEAR - HEEL AND TOE BLOCK 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

TREAD WEAR - IRREGULAR CUPPING

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

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 is found
  • Determine if wheel is bent by inspecting for runout, replace wheel if damage is found

BUBBLE/BULGE

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

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

ABRASIONS OF BOTH SIDEWALLS

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