10 kinds of tire wear can indicate a car’s general condition

There are many ways to see what possible problems cars have. One of them is to check tire wear, which is a simple ocular inspection to do. There’s no need to jack up; the car as well!

Car tire wear is often overlooked!

When driving most drivers are preoccupied with more complex problems that may cause more expenses. But, sometimes all they need to do is look no farther than their tires! Yes, it’s rather normal but how tire wear indicates any car’s general condition is one simple hack.

Also, tire wear does show how everyday driving habits impact everyday tire and car wear. Since tires are at what connects to the car to the ground; naturally it shows how any kind of driving affects wear and as well as what is the condition of the car too!

Just a quick ocular check will be needed to inspect tire wear, and check how the how tire wear indicates any car’s general condition.

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1. Center wear on the car tire only

Fun fact: It does happen, and rear-wheel-drive cars will have a center on some tires despite proper maintenance and inflation. In most cases; though only high-powered sports cars do this not production passenger cars!

Overinflation causes the center of the tire to have lost contact with the road

Overinflation causes the center of the tire to have lost contact with the road. The bad side of having centerline contact is less control when driving, to have more control is to keep all tire surfaces in contact at all times! Or there will be problems with less traction and control; the tires may need earlier replacement too.

It is best to refer to the specified pressure and keep the stock tires to use the same inflation PSI. Never over-inflate or the tires will not rotate properly or add to fuel economy. It might happen that tires will bulge and burst in hot climates!

>>> Also read: Driving on a flat tire: Signs, warnings & tricks for Pinoy drivers.

2. Tires have cracks and bulge it

Fun fact: When cracks or bulges show; have it replaced because it is hazardous to drive on, if on a budget then get a temporary second-hand tire!

If it is under-inflated or over-inflated; the effect of the impact on tires will vary

If it is under-inflated or over-inflated; the effect of the impact on tires will vary. But; as tires get more worn which can be bad when impacted too much! Look for any crack in the tire treads and especially along the inner and outer sidewall. If the tire deflates; then chances are that air is seeping out. Has it replaced to avoid blowouts when driving?

3. Scalloping and depressions pockmark the tires, causing bouncing and uneven ride

Fun Fact: This is directly connected to suspension problems that should be dealt with immediately.

Upon inspection, the tire exhibits uneven wear on the tire tread; that is the cause of bouncing because of the uneven patterns with depressions that minimize contact with the road.

This is caused by shock absorbers that will need replacement and other parts that support the wheels

This is caused by shock absorbers that will need replacement and other parts that support the wheels. Has it checked by a tire technician to get the right job done, because it may be fixed by wheel balancing? If there are fewer depressions and unevenness replacing a shock absorber if it can be done.

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4. The tire tread has diagonal cupping and scuffing on it

Fun fact: Most front-wheel-drive cars with incorrect toe setting will have it; on the rear tires.

If the car is a front-wheel drive; there will diagonal cupping and cuffing when tire rotation is not sufficient during phases as it rotates. Correction is needed to prevent damage and a need to replace the wheel entirely.

5. There is wear at the edges of the tires

Fun fact: Worn tire edges are caused by under-inflation; which should be checked religiously! Keep tire jack handy when underinflated.

When the edges on the inside and outer edges are worn; but not in the middle of the tire

When the edges on the inside and outer edges are worn; but not in the middle of the tire. This is most often overlooked when in a hurry and when there is less pressure there will be a host of problems to deal with.

If the tire pressure is less; there will be heat build-up and may cause a blowout too! It is important not to under-inflate to prevent damage from bumps, and alignment or suspension damage to avoid it.

6. The tread blocks are feathered when inspected

Fun fact: It’s better to feel the tread blocks; because it can’t be seen easily.

Usually indicated by ramping on the tread blocks; that goes sideways. With sharper higher edges and rounded lower edges on the tread pattern. One of the causes is an off toe-setting for the tires, sometimes the suspension bushing with the ball joints, and ball bearings will need replacing.

>>> Make sure you know how to survive driving on bald tires!

7. When areas of the tread are more level; they are flat spots

Fun fact: Radial tires can have flat spots; when the car sits for a long period of time.

Single spots of heavy wear show up on the tires when a car has been in a skid

Single spots of heavy wear show up on the tires when a car has been in a skid—say, the driver saw a deer on the highway and slammed on the brakes. A car without an anti-lock braking system is more likely to lock up its tires under heavy braking, which can cause a flat spot. Other causing of flat spots are chemicals that break down tire rubber!

8. When heel toeing on the car’s tread is notice

Fun fact: It can be prevented by keeping this component maintained, or heel-toeing can get worse.

When ramps run from front to back; and along with the tire tread pattern with the edges of the tread pattern worn smoothly and sharp edges on the trailing edge. Avoid heel-toe wear with better tire rotation, and avoid damage to parts of the cars suspension system as well. Misalignment is the result of heel-toe that can be avoided.

9. One side of the tire is more worn; when the tire is checked

Fun fact: A few performance cars with a bit of camber; that will be a cause of a side wearing faster than the other.

Even with wheel alignment; it won’t last without changing the bushings, ball joints, and worn springs to make it permanent

Sometimes; when either the outer or inner side has more wear; then it is an indication of the camber needing correction. Have the alignment fixed properly and replace parts of the wheel assembly; that is needed to fully correct camber problems.

Even with wheel alignment; it won’t last without changing the bushings, ball joints, and worn springs to make it permanent.

10. If tread-wear indicators are visible; it is time to change tires

Fun fact: When these ridges are almost level to the tire surface, it’s time for a replacement.

Should the ridges be seen and come into road contact with the tread pattern; then there will be minimal traction which is not good. Replace the tire because the tread pattern is nearly gone and the car will slide and skid.

Should the ridges be seen and come into road contact with the tread pattern

Car owners should note these subtle signs; because they will show how tire wear indicates any car’s general condition to do something about it.

A car’s tires are important and if not keep in good condition just like other components, it would be disastrous. Drive safe and stay safe with good tires, also save more on repairs before they get worse.

Some more tire tips for drivers to use, just visit Philkotse.com to make tires last longer.