Your tires do more than keep your car moving, they keep you safe. When your tires wear unevenly, it’s often a sign of a deeper issue that could
affect handling, braking, and even fuel efficiency.
At
Big 10 Tire Pros, serving drivers across
Jackson,
Madison,
Clinton, and
Pearl, MS, we see uneven tire wear every day and we know how to fix it before it leads to costly repairs or unsafe driving conditions.
Here’s how to spot uneven wear and what each pattern might be telling you about your vehicle.
Why Uneven Tire Wear Happens
Tires are designed to wear evenly when your suspension, alignment, and tire pressure are properly maintained. But real-world driving, especially on rough Mississippi roads and in hot, humid weather that can cause uneven tread wear over time.
Common causes include:
The Most Common Types of Uneven Tire Wear
Each wear pattern tells a different story about what’s happening under your vehicle. Here are the most common types we see at Big 10 Tire Pros and what they mean:
1. Inner or Outer Edge Wear (Camber Wear)
What it looks like: One side of the tire (either inner or outer edge) is bald while the rest has tread left.
What it means: Your wheels are likely
out of alignment, often caused by hitting potholes or curbs. This is one of the most common issues in Mississippi due to uneven roads and frequent construction.
Fix: A
wheel alignment will correct the angle of your tires and prevent further wear.
2. Center Wear
What it looks like: The center of the tire is smooth, but the edges still have plenty of tread.
What it means: Your tires are
overinflated. When tire pressure is too high, only the center makes consistent contact with the road, wearing faster than the sides.
Fix: Check your pressure monthly and set it to the
manufacturer’s recommended PSI, not the number printed on the tire’s sidewall.
3. Edge Wear (Both Sides)
What it looks like: Both shoulders of the tire are worn down, while the center looks fine.
What it means: This is caused by
underinflation. Underinflation means there is not enough air pressure, more weight rests on the edges, wearing them down faster.
Fix: Inflate your tires to the correct PSI and schedule regular
tire pressure checks at Big 10 Tire Pros to keep them balanced.
4. Cupping or Scalloping
What it looks like: The tread appears to have wavy or uneven dips around the tire.
What it means: Your
suspension or shocks may be worn out, causing the tire to bounce instead of staying firmly planted. This creates patchy wear and a noisy ride.
Fix: Our technicians can inspect your
shocks, struts, and suspension to pinpoint the cause and restore smooth performance.
5. Feathering
What it looks like: The tread ribs feel sharp on one side and smooth on the other when you run your hand across the tire.
What it means: This usually points to
improper toe alignment, meaning your tires are slightly pointing in or out instead of straight ahead.
Fix: A
precision alignment and suspension inspection will stop the problem and extend tire life.
How to Prevent Uneven Tire Wear
The good news is that uneven wear is preventable with simple, routine maintenance.
1. Rotate Your Tires Regularly
We recommend rotating your tires every
5,000-6,000 miles to ensure even wear across all four tires.
2. Schedule Regular Wheel Alignments
Even a minor alignment issue can cause serious wear over time. Have your alignment checked at least once a year, or sooner if you notice pulling or steering drift.
3. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
Check your tire pressure once a month and before long drives. The right PSI improves handling, safety, and gas mileage.
4. Inspect Suspension Components
If you drive on rough Mississippi roads, have your suspension checked annually to make sure shocks, struts, and bushings are in good shape.
Schedule a Tire Inspection at Big 10 Tire Pros
If you’ve noticed uneven wear, vibration, or your car pulling to one side, visit
Big 10 Tire Pros in
Jackson, Madison, or Pearl, MS.
Our certified technicians will inspect your tires, alignment, and suspension to identify the cause and get you safely back on the road.
