Most motorists only ask what causes tires to wear on the outside only when things have gone south. It is not supposed to be so.
They rarely notice anything in the initial stage, which is bad. Such an act can lead to a catastrophic collision and drop expensive repair bills on the table.
That’s why you need to understand your tire tread wear pattern. Even a small outside tire tread wear can prevent the tires from hugging the road perfectly. It is important to note that the inability of a tire to maintain traction on certain pavements can lead to slippage.
Get this straight; do not allow tire wear to stay for an extended period because it’ll not only put you and other road users in unsafe conditions.
It will also cost you more bucks. This is because tire wear becomes irreparable when it reaches a certain depth and needs a total tire replacement.
This article explains what causes tire wear on the outside edges and how to fix it. Let’s get the ball rolling.
What Is Outside Tire Wear?
When we talk about outside tire wear, we’re referring to the uneven degradation of the tire’s tread on the outer edge.
Picture your tire as a donut (mmm, donuts!). You want the whole donut to wear down evenly. But instead, you’re getting more wear on the ‘outside’—that’s the part of the donut you’d hold if you were about to take a delicious bite.
Now, tire wear isn’t bad by itself—it’s natural for your tire tread to wear down over time. But when one part of the tire (like the outside edge) wears down faster than the rest, that’s a problem.
Different Tire Wear Patterns
The most common tire wear patterns include patchy wear or one-sided inner or outside edge wear because of bad alignment.
You can also see wear on the center because the tires are overinflated or wear on the edges where the tires are underinflated. Cupped tires usually indicate a bad suspension.
Here is a more detailed list of the different tire wear patterns:
#1. Patchy Wear.
If the tread wear is looking patchy, you will see dips at various places on the surface. It only wears away in certain areas, with patches revealing themselves through the tire.
Patchy tires will cause a bouncing sensation while driving. It can also affect the way the car handles and the traction you experience.
In most cases, balancing the tires, getting a tire rotation, and inspecting the suspension for worn parts are what’s needed to get it fixed.
#2. One-Sided Wear (Inner or Outside Edge).
Wear on one side of the tire is otherwise referred to as toe or camber wear. If either the inner or outer part of the edge is wearing faster than the rest of the tire, you are looking at an alignment issue.
Because the car is out of alignment, you are going to feel pulling to one side. Again, you can prevent this problem by getting regular tire alignment. On average, the car should get aligned every year or when the tires are changed.
#3. Center Wear.
If you are noticing excessive wear to the center of the tire tread, the tire pressure is too high. It’s important to follow the recommended psi set by the manufacturer. This amount is listed in your owner’s manual and on the driver’s side door jamb.
When the pressure is too high, the tire’s center tread bulges out into the road. Because all of the contact is in the center, the tread is going to wear faster. Thankfully, it’s not difficult to reduce the air pressure and get it right.
#4. Edge Wear.
Edge wear is the opposite of what we’ve seen with the center wear. Because of this, you can assume that the tires are under-inflated. When there’s not enough air in the tires, the shoulders of the tires are going to make the most contact with the road.
Again, you need to check the recommended pressures for your tires. Inflate the tires until it reaches that pressure level and the problem should start to correct itself.
#5. Cupped Tires.
Cupping is a tire wear pattern that looks very different from the others. When a tire is cupping, it develops scalloped or diagonal wear patterns. These tires can cause vibration and shaking, leading to a rough ride, even on smooth road surfaces.
Tire cupping occurs when there’s a problem with the suspension system. As parts fail, other issues can also occur with the suspension, leading to a more dangerous drive. For this reason, you should never ignore the symptoms of tire cupping.
What causes tires to wear on the outside?
This section will focus on what will cause a tire to wear on the outside, regardless of the tire – front or rear.
#1. Wheel Misalignment.
Did you hit a speed bump or pothole lately? Or have you been involved in an accident? Did you mistakenly drive on a road’s hard shoulder? These are the common causes of wheel misalignment.
If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you likely have a misaligned wheel. This will cause sped-up tire tread wear on the outside.
Note that everything might look alright at first, but as you drive for an extended period, you’ll experience tire wear on the outside edge mot.
The outer tire wear happens because the outer surface scrapes off itself on the road pavement as it travels on the road.
#2. Broken Or Sagging springs.
Vehicle springs play a critical role in supporting the entire car weight and absorbing excess energy from road shocks. This is possible because their anti-sway bar helps stabilize the car by shifting the wheel’s movement.
Because of how the manufacturers engineered the vehicle springs, constant heavy loads reduce or weaken their flexibility.
You may notice a reduced height on coil springs and loss of arch on leaf springs. Vehicles with coil springs will experience accelerated outside tire wear because of loss of size due to aging.
Once a vehicle coil spring begins to lose its height, it’ll cause misalignment to the entire suspension system. The tires have no option other than to compensate by carrying the entire vehicle’s weight. The outcome is wear on the outside tire treads.
#3. Improper inflation pressure.
Improper inflation could be a reason for tire wear on the outside edge of front tires. Uneven, inner, or outer tire wear could be a result of improper tire inflation.
Therefore auto manufacturers specify both front and rear tire pressure needed for optimized driving comfort, gas economy, and handling. They also take tire wear into consideration.
Properly inflated tires help disperse vehicle loads, cornering force, and satisfactory braking on the tread. If the tire pressure is too high or too low, the tire contact patch will find it difficult to carry out its duty effectively.
Such a situation will quickly abrade the tire tread. As much as low tire pressure will cause toe-out wear on tires, too much pressure will cause the same effect. Hence, you should always maintain the specified tire pressure.
#4. Damaged Ball Joints.
Ball joints are critical suspension components. They serve as a connection that links the camber to the hub housing.
Auto manufacturers engineered them to maintain optimum grip with suspension system components as the vehicle travels down the road. They also help offer vibration-free movement and give you confidence on the wheel.
Like other suspension systems, ball joints wear over time. As they wear off, the wheel goes out of alignment, and the tires point outwardly. Expert mechanics call it ‘wheel toe-out conditions.’
Tire wear because of a faulty ball joint can be hardly noticed, but it poses the same danger as other tire wears. For this reason, it is important to replace any faulty suspension components in your car before it damages other related components.
#5. Bent struts or spindles.
Struts and spindles are strong structural components of a vehicle. They work in harmony with shock absorbers and upper ball joints to maintain a vehicle-dampening impact and hold the entire suspension components together.
They should work optimally for a comfortable ride. In some vehicles, the upper end of a strut rotates to maintain the correct camber angle and wheel alignment.
If the strut or spindle is bent, it will miss the specified alignment. The edges of only the front tires being worn are a sign of a bent strut and spindle.
The degree of the outside tire wear will depend on how little or how much the strut bent is. This means that a small strut bent will cause a few bucks to fix, while a severe bent will only require replacement.
What Are The Different Signs Of Tire Wear?
When looking at signs of tire wear, there are many to keep tabs on to know how much attention the tires require.
Here are some of the different signs of wear:
#1. Tread Wear.
Treadwear is one of the common signs of tire problems. The treads may wear out in different patterns, as earlier mentioned.
The pattern the wear assumes can indicate several issues with the car, and you have to be keen to know which problem is in your hands. You can refer to the tire wear patterns guide for proper understanding.
#2. A Rough Driving Experience.
You may also notice a rough driving experience if you have worn-out tires. It may come from the imbalance or a poor tread, which translates to poor traction on the road.
If the tread wear is deep, you may feel the bumps when driving on rough roads. The bumps may be very pronounced, unlike when driving with new tires.
#3. Poor Fuel Economy.
You will experience a hiked consumption, primarily if the tire wear affects its inflation. Poorly inflated tires are among the causes of tire wear on the inside, especially on the shoulders.
The tires have more drag, and the engine needs more power to move them. Here, it needs more fuel, which will drain your tank fast.
#4. Bulges And Blisters.
Another sign of tire wear that you may encounter is blisters and bulges. They are very serious, and you need to change your tires immediately. The bulges can grow over time and cause a tire to burst.
You will experience bulges and blisters on the sides most of the time. It is an indication that the tire is past its life. The logical solution to this problem is getting a replacement.
How to check tires for wear?
Checking your tires for uneven wear is simple but crucial to keep your car running well. Luckily, you can check for signs of uneven wear easily:
- First, find a flat and even surface on which to park your car, where you can easily see all four tires.
- Starting with one tire, inspect the tread across its width and around its circumference, looking for areas that seem more worn down than others.
- If you are unsure of how uneven the wear is, use a tread depth gauge for precision or even a quarter if you don’t have a gauge to hand.
- Compare each tire’s inner and outer sides and look for discrepancies in the amount of tread wear and signs of feathering.
- It’s also a good idea to look out for any visible cracks, bulges, or other signs of damage.
- Repeat this process for all four tires.
Uneven wear can indicate alignment issues, improper inflation, or suspension problems, so catching these signs early can help you prevent uneven tire wear, save money on future repairs, and ensure your car handles safely.
How To Fix Outside Tire Wear?
Fixing outside tire wear requires different approaches, as there are several causes. Below are the steps you need to fix outside tire wear.
- Getting wheel alignment
- Replacing broken or sagging springs
- Correcting improper tire inflation
- Replacing worn ball joints
- Repairing or replacing bent struts and spindles.
#1. Getting wheel Alignment.
Wheel alignment and balancing are necessary after working on some suspension components.
Aside from that, expert mechanics recommend going for a wheel alignment every seven thousand (7,000) miles or twice a year. Consider decreasing the check-up duration if you have an older vehicle.
If your outside tire tread is wearing off because of misalignment, aligning the wheels could be all you need to fix the uneven or outside wear.
#2. Replacing broken or sagging springs.
If you notice you have sagged or broken springs, get a new one and replace them. It is a simple fix that you can carry out with DIY skills.
If you don’t have the time or don’t trust your guts, seek a mechanic’s help for a professional fix. Whichever route you choose, be prepared to spend up to $450 for replacement parts.
#3. Correcting improper tire inflation.
It’s always good to maintain proper tire inflation because the vehicle’s entire weight rests on it. I recommend getting a portable tire inflator if you have over one car in your garage.
With this, you can regularly check the tire pressure without constant visits to mechanic shops.
Maintaining proper tire pressure will halt or prevent accelerated outer tire tread wear. If you don’t see getting a portable tire inflator necessary, gauge your tire pressure at mechanic shops.
#4. Replacing worn ball joints.
If a worn ball joint is a culprit, replace it and align the wheels. If the outside tire wear continues, inspect and change the tie rods and control arms.
Faulty suspension components cause most outside and uneven tire wears complaints that I receive in my garage. That said, I recommend checking these components, especially the ball joints and control arms, before heading to other probable causes.
#5. Reporting or replacing bent struts and spindles.
Repairing faulty struts and spindles could be all you need to stop uneven and outside tire wear. If the bent is much, you may have to replace it. You can replace this component yourself and save the labor charge. It is a no-complex fix.
Risk of Driving with Uneven Tire Wear
You may think it’s okay to drive with the tires wearing abnormally, but you shouldn’t. The practice is dangerous, and you leave yourself open to an accident. At any time, a tire could blowout or go flat, leaving you stranded on the side of the road while you change the tire.
It also becomes more difficult to control a vehicle when the tires wear wrong. You could notice a difference in handling, braking power and fuel economy.
Not only that, but you will need replacement tires prematurely, which also causes you to spend money unnecessarily. With a regular tire inspection and wheel alignment, you can eliminate this uneven wear and extend the life of your tires for better protection.
Practical Tips for Mitigating Outside Tire Wear
There are several practical tips that can help mitigate outside tire wear, including:
Regular Tire Maintenance
Regular tire maintenance is essential for maintaining optimal tire performance and extending its lifespan. Some common tire maintenance tasks include:
- Checking tire pressure regularly
- Rotating tires regularly
- Inspecting tires regularly for signs of wear and damage
Proper Tire Inflation
Proper tire inflation is critical for maintaining optimal tire performance and extending its lifespan. Underinflated tires can lead to reduced tire life, decreased fuel efficiency, and reduced handling and braking performance.
Driving Habits
Good driving habits can also help mitigate outside tire wear. Some common driving habits that can help reduce tire wear include:
- Driving smoothly and avoiding sudden acceleration or braking
- Maintaining a consistent speed
- Avoiding sharp turns or quick lane changes
- Driving on smooth roads whenever possible
FAQs.
Q: What causes rear tires to wear on the outside?
Several factors can cause rear tires to wear on the outside. We’ve outlined some of the reasons above. If you have outside tire wear on the rear wheels, it is most likely caused by a wheel misalignment, bent struts, and spindles.
Other probable causes include worn-out camber or control rod bushings and sagged springs underneath the vehicle. When tracking down the culprit, do not forget that a worn wheel hub bearing can cause accelerated uneven and outside tire wear.
Q: Can bad shocks cause tire wear?
Shocks perform several essential functions on vehicles. It connects the car frame with the wheels. It limits vehicle movement by pushing the wheels against the pavement surface for improved traction.
It improves drivers’ control and increases satisfactory braking. It also halts sped-up wear on airbags, springs, and other more essential (and expensive) suspension and steering components.
If this component fails, it’ll cause premature wear on tires. A failed shock can cause cupping and other premature or uneven tire wear.
Q: What happens if you over-inflate your tires?
Over-inflation on tires makes them more vulnerable and easy to damage. If tires are filled to their maximum capacity, they become more inflexible and stiff. This exposes them to damage when you hit potholes or are involved in a collision.
When traveling with an over-inflated tire, you’ll feel every dip and bump on the road. You’ll agree; this is not good for a comfortable ride.
Too much air or nitrogen pressure on the tire will distort the shape of the tire, leading to decreased traction and accelerated tire wear on the center. The tire may wear quickly, depending on the tire circumference.
Q: Where do tires wear on the road?
It is important to understand how to read toe out and toe in tire wear patterns. Tires can wear on various spots depending on the causes of the problem. Here are some of the places a tire can wear on the road;
- Inner or outer shoulder wear: misalignment mainly causes this.
- Center tire wear: Over inflation is the primary cause.
- Edge shoulder wear: under-inflation causes edge shoulder wear.
- Cupping: Suspension issues.
- Diagonal tire wear: It means you need a tire rotation.
I recommend you read the tire wear tread pattern to understand this clearly.
Final words
When you track what causes tires to wear on the outside of your vehicle, follow the repair procedures above to get it fixed. Sometimes, tire rotation or wheel alignment may be all you need to resolve the issue. These will cause you little to nothing in your pocket.
Suppose other probable causes like sagging springs, worn control arm bushings, bad ball joints, shocks, bent struts, or spindles are the culprit; consider spending $400 to $600 or even more.
Whatever the culprit is, please do not allow it to stay for an extended period as it can cause the tire to burst on the road. And this poses a danger to the life of the driver, passengers, and other road users.