Common Causes of Uneven Tyre Wear
Tyres should ideally wear evenly across the entire tread width. When they do not, it is almost always a sign of an underlying problem with your vehicle — and catching it early can save you money and keep you safe on UK roads. Here is what different uneven tyre wear patterns tell you about your car.
Centre Wear — Over-Inflation
If the tread wears faster in the centre than at the edges, the tyre has been run over-inflated. An over-inflated tyre bulges in the middle, putting more contact pressure on the central tread. Check and correct your tyre pressures using your vehicle handbook.
Edge Wear — Under-Inflation
Wear on both outer edges with a relatively undamaged centre indicates chronic under-inflation. The tyre flattens under load, pushing the edges into greater contact with the road. Again, pressure correction is the fix — but do check for slow punctures causing recurring deflation.
One-Sided Wear — Wheel Alignment
Wear concentrated on just one edge (inner or outer) of the tyre strongly suggests a wheel alignment issue — specifically incorrect camber or toe settings. This is one of the most common causes of uneven tyre wear in the UK and is usually caused by pothole impacts or kerb strikes. Get your wheel alignment checked and corrected to protect your new tyres.
Cupping or Scalloping — Suspension Issues
A scalloped, dipped or wavy appearance around the tread circumference suggests worn or faulty shock absorbers or struts. The tyre bounces as it rotates, wearing unevenly at the points where it strikes the road hardest. This pattern accelerates tyre wear dramatically and affects ride and handling safety.
Patchy Wear — Balancing Issues
Random flat spots or patchy wear often indicate wheel balancing problems. An unbalanced wheel vibrates at certain speeds, creating uneven pressure on the tyre tread. Wheel balancing is included with every tyre fitting by Saltire Mobile Tyres.