A vehicle tires’ look tells much about the condition of the suspension. If you notice signs of inner tire wear, you can troubleshoot the more serious issues to know the root cause of the problem.
Inner tire wear can cause wheel wobbling, a shaky steering wheel, and many other drivability issues. This can also lead to dangerous situations. That said, it is essential to know why your tires wear on the inside to prevent catastrophic situations.
In this article, you’ll learn what causes tires to wear on the inside and how to recognize and fix it.
Different Types of Tire Wear
Tire wear isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. There are several different types that you should be aware of, and each comes with its own set of clues about what’s going on with your car.
- Even Tire Wear: This is the good kind! It means your tires are wearing out uniformly across the tread. This is the natural and expected wear from driving, kind of like the gradual wearing out of your favorite sneakers.
- Uneven or Irregular Wear: Now, this is where things can get a bit hairy. Uneven wear means some parts of your tire are wearing out faster than others. There are several sub-types of uneven wear, including:
- Center Wear: When only the middle of your tire is worn down, it might mean your tires have been overinflated.
- Edge Wear: If the edges of your tires are more worn than the center, underinflation might be your problem.
- Cupping or Scalloping: If your tires have uneven wear in a sort of dip-and-bump pattern, this could point to issues with your suspension parts.
Today, we’re especially interested in one kind of uneven wear – Inner Tire Wear. This is when the inside edge of your tire wears out more than the rest of it.
You know, it’s like when you’ve got that one shoe that’s worn out more on one side than the other – it’s just not a great situation!
What causes tires to wear on the inside?
Tire wearing on the inside occurs for many reasons. It could be because of underlying steering or suspension issues. There are a few causes of uneven inner tire wear you should watch out for to prevent it from escalating to more severe damage.
Here are the common causes of inner tire wear:
#1. Worn ball joints.
Worn ball joints are the primary cause of uneven tire wear. They are also a probable cause of accelerated inner tire wear.
Ball joints link a vehicle’s control arms to steering knuckles with its socket and ball design. Automakers design ball joints to serve this purpose without excessive play.
However, as the ball joints work overtime, friction and normal use cause it to lose and have little play. The play extends too excessively or causes tire wobbling if not replaced early.
The excessive play can cause an unintended outward steering knuckle movement, leaving the same effect on the corresponding tire.
Similarly, a worn lower ball joint can affect the vehicle’s camber angle to the point of leading to accelerated tire wear.
#2. Incorrect toe angle.
Toe angle is the center axis of a vehicle’s tire or the relation of one tire to the other. You can observe this angle by standing on the front of the tire while looking at the edges of tires. What are toe-out and toe-in tire wear?
A toe-in vehicle condition refers to when both tires face inward toward each other. Whereas a toe-out is when the tires point outwardly from each other.
A vehicle tire with a high toe-out condition will often cause premature inner tire wear. Why is this so? The pavement you travel on effectively affects the inner segment of each tire.
#3. Camber problems.
A common reason for tires wearing on inside only is camber problems. It happens when the inside tread of the tire wears out faster than the outside or center edge, affecting how straight up or down the vehicle tires are with load resting on it.
Manufacturers engineered cambers to allow the vehicle to hug the road perfectly. However, a bad or out-of-sync tire alignment will affect the tire angle, causing it to be positive or negative.
A negative camber angle causes the top part of the time to go inwardly and station the bottom part outwardly, resulting in accelerated tire wear.
#4. Worn tie rods.
Worn tie rods are also a cause of uneven and inner tire wear.
If you cannot check and grease the tire rods regularly, it’ll lead to premature wear. A tie rod, as we know, is a steering component that connects the steering wheel to the vehicle wheel.
If it goes bad, it’ll not only cause inner tire wear but also lead to a shaky steering wheel and wobbling tires.
#5. Faulty struts or shock absorbers.
You may wonder, will bad struts cause inside tire wear? Of course, worn shock absorbers or struts can also be a culprit of inner tire wear.
A fault or leaked shock absorber will cause the vehicle to bounce excessively, especially on rough pavement. This can cause severe damages to other suspension system components if not rectified on time. It can also cause outer or inner pattern tread on the tires.
It can also result in a shaky steering wheel when driving on rough terrain and whenever you hit a pothole or speed bump.
#6. Broken shock springs.
Vehicle shock springs offer a seamless driving experience. It works in harmony with the shock absorbed to prevent excessive tire movement when you drive over potholes and speed bumps. A vehicle needs a shock spring for a vibration-free driving experience.
However, like most suspension components, shock springs wear over time. This affects the tire and how perfectly it hugs the ground. It can also cause uneven tire wear, outer or inner tire wear.
#7. Worn control arm bushings.
Control bushings serve as a linkage or connection between the steering knuckles and the chassis.
Automakers engineered both ends of a control arm with elastomer or rubber fittings. These bushings aim to halt or reduce excessive play from the vehicle that could adversely affect the camber angle.
As the control arms function, they begin to age over time and start wearing off the bushings slowly. The wear allows excessive movement, affecting camber angle adjustments on that wheel.
The adverse lead to outer and inner tire wear effects because of the excessive movement and the camber angle issues.
#8. Bad Wheel Alignment.
Bad wheel alignment can lead to many suspension components issues, such as wheel hub bearing problems, uneven tire wear, and outer and inner tire wear. What causes bad wheel alignment, anyway?
Your vehicle may incur bad wheel alignment during a pothole collision. It can cause your vehicle to pull in one direction when driving on a straight pavement.
What Are The Early Signs of Inner Tire Wear?
- Noticeable tire tread wear on the inner edge compared to the outer edge
- Unusual noise or vibration while driving
- The vehicle pulls to one side while driving straight
- Uneven handling, particularly when cornering
- Decreased fuel efficiency
- A regular need for tire inflation
- Visible cords or steel belts in the tire tread
- Cracks or grooves appearing on the tire’s inner edge
- The steering feels looser or more difficult to control.
How to Identify Inside Tire Wear
Identifying inside tire wear is important to maintain your vehicle’s performance and safety. Here’s a 6-step guide to help:
- Inspect the tread: Look for signs of uneven wear or balding, on the inner edges.
- Measure the tread depth: Use a gauge or a penny. Check that it’s safe and consistent.
- Check for feathering: Run your hand along the surface, feeling for slight raised edges.
- Look for bulges or bubbles: Scan the sidewalls for bulges, bubbles, or cracks.
- Pay attention to steering vibrations: These can be a sign of inside tire wear when driving fast.
- Schedule rotations and alignments: This helps prevent premature inside tire wear.
Remember, spot tire issues fast for safer roads and longer tire life.
Difference Between Front and Rear Inside Tire Wear
When it comes to tires, the plot thickens! Not all tires wear the same way. Your car’s front and rear tires have different roles to play and hence, they wear differently. Let’s hit the road on this journey of understanding why this happens!
#1. The Front Tire Scenario.
If you’re seeing your front tires wear more on the inside, there are a couple of key culprits to consider.
Steering: To Turn Or Not To Turn
Your front tires are responsible for steering. As such, they deal with forces that the rear tires don’t.
When you make a turn, your front tires lean towards the inside of the turn, putting more pressure on the inside edge. If you’re constantly making left or right turns, this could lead to more wear on the inside edge.
Bad Wheel Alignment: The Off-Center Problem
Another common issue is poor wheel alignment. If your wheels are not aligned properly, it can lead to your tires pointing inward or outward instead of straight ahead.
This misalignment can cause your tires to scrub against the pavement and create excessive wear on one side.
#2. The Rear Tire Scenario.
Now, on to the rear tires. They might not have as much to do with steering, but they certainly have their share of responsibilities.
Carrying the Load
Rear tires often carry more of the car’s load, especially in rear-wheel-drive vehicles. More load can lead to more wear, especially if your tires are underinflated or your vehicle’s suspension components are worn out.
Negative Camber Angle: Leaning Inward
Just like the front tires, the camber angle affects the rear tires too. A negative camber angle, where the top of the tire leans inwards, can cause more wear on the inside edge of your rear tires.
How To Fix Inside Tire Wear?
#1. Get Regular Wheel Alignment.
It’s important to have the wheel aligned every 6,000 miles or yearly. As you drive, the wheels hit multiple road imperfections that can throw the alignment out of whack.
Before a wheel alignment, the mechanic will also check the suspension parts to see if anything needs to get replaced before.
If you are getting a regular wheel alignment, you won’t have to worry about inner tire wear. You also know you are protecting the suspension parts for a better ride.
#2. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure.
When you run your vehicle with low tire pressure, you put them at risk for inner tire wear. Whenever the sidewall can’t support the weight of the vehicle, it forces unusual parts of the tire to contact the road surface.
That’s why you should check the tire pressures often. I recommend checking the tire pressures monthly or any time that the temperature dramatically changes. You can find the recommended pressure on the driver’s side door jamb.
#3. Balance the Tires.
If you are like most drivers, you forget to have the tires balanced until wear sets in. By then, it might be too late, so it’s best to have it checked periodically.
At a minimum, you should have the tires balanced every two or three years. You also want to have them balanced when a new set is installed.
Tire balancing only takes a few minutes to complete. Plus, it helps create a better ride that absorbs bumps and imperfections better.
#4. Replace Worn Suspension Components.
If the suspension parts are worn, it will have a dramatic effect on the ride and how the tires wear. If you notice just one tire is wearing unevenly, it could be due to a defective suspension part. Regular checks on the suspension could help you avoid this condition.
As soon as you see something is wrong, replace the part. In some cases, you can have a repair, while other times, the part needs to be removed for a new one.
Either way, suspension issues can create unsafe driving conditions, so you don’t want to take your chances.
Other Tire Wear Pattern Issues
#1. Edge Shoulder Wear.
When the tires are underinflated, the tire edges make more contact with the street, causing them to wear faster. You can prevent this by keeping the tires at the proper pressure.
If you notice the edge wear on both shoulders, it’s possible that you are cornering too hard. It can also mean the last tire rotation wasn’t performed properly.
#2. Center Wear.
Most often, these tires are overinflated. When there’s too much air inside the tires, the center of the tread is making too much contact with the road.
Driving with overinflated tires can be just as dangerous as underinflated. Maintain proper tire pressures to prolong their life and remain safe.
#3. Cupping.
If there are dips in the tread or you see some smooth spots randomly on the tire, there could be an issue with the suspension. A part is either bent or worn out.
It’s possible that you recently hit a pothole or curb that caused damage. By replacing the parts, you might be able to avoid further issues.
#4. Diagonal or Patchy Wear.
When the tires exhibit patches of wear, it shows that they aren’t balanced. As the tires jump across the surface of the road, they will wear unevenly.
You want to have them rotated, balanced, and aligned. These services will keep the tires from wearing any further in a strange pattern.
Is Inner Tire Wear Dangerous?
Yes, inner tire wear can be dangerous because it decreases the tire’s ability to properly grip the road, particularly in wet conditions, which can affect braking and handling.
This can potentially lead to accidents. Moreover, excessive wear can weaken the tire structure, increasing the risk of tire blowouts while driving.
Therefore, it’s important to regularly check your tires for signs of wear and address any issues promptly to ensure safe driving.
How To Prevent Inner Tire Wear?
Preventing tire wear from the inside not only increases the lifespan of your tires but also ensures the stable operation of the vehicle. Here are a few tips to help you prevent inner tire wear.
- Vehicle owners need to periodically check the alignment of the wheels and align the wheels by the specifications recommended by the manufacturer. This contributes to reducing tire wear from the inside, especially when cornering and braking sharply.
- Because the front two wheels tend to wear more tires, the owner can change the tires to balance the wear between the front and rear tires.
- Replace with new tires when you notice that the tires are worn too much so as not to affect the driving experience and safety when traveling.
- Regular vehicle maintenance to detect damage to car tires promptly, ensuring safety for drivers.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix Inner Tire Wear?
- Wheel Alignment: If the issue is due to a misalignment of the wheels, a typical wheel alignment service can cost between $60 and $100.
- Suspension Components Repair/Replacement: If worn-out or damaged suspension components are causing the problem, repair costs can be much higher. For instance, replacing shocks and struts could cost anywhere from $200 to $1,500.
- Control Arm Bushings Replacement: If worn control arm bushings are the cause, you might expect to pay between $100 and $300 for a replacement.
- Ball Joints Replacement: If worn ball joints are the issue, replacement typically costs between $225 and $285 per joint.
- Tire Replacement: If the inner tire wear is severe, you may need to replace the tire entirely. The cost of a new tire varies widely depending on the type and brand, but generally, you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 per tire.
FAQs.
Q: Why are my front tires wearing on the inside?
The primary cause for a front tire to wear from the inside is the angle where the tire is fitted has been shifted to the center of the car. We refer to this as a negative camber angle. It happens when you have a faulty or loose control arm.
This causes most of the tires that touch the ground to wear off. This may sound weird to regular motorists, but this is perfectly fine to a gearhead.
Normally, a wheel tire should sit on the road at zero degrees. This pattern will allow even wear on the entire part of the tire. If you observe that the inner tire is wearing more than the outer or center part of the tire, it shows a problem with the suspension system.
Q: What is irregular tire wear, and what causes it?
Irregular tire wear is improper tire wear whereby the tires are wearing unevenly. Over inflation, underinflation, improper alignment, or faulty suspension issues usually causes this.
Tires are essential components of a car. That’s why you need to check their conditions at all times. The effects of seasons on tires, salt, cold, snow, or fluctuating temp can lead to tire wear and tear.
Q: Why do my tires wobble when I drive?
Separated tires usually cause wobbling when driving. They can result in severe safety issues and should be rectified immediately. Separated tires always project severe damages to the vehicles.
A tire with this issue will have a visible bump along with the tread. You can also feel the bump with your hands.
Q: What happens when your car tires won’t grip the road?
A tire not gripping the road is usually caused by underinflation, and they are dangerous to drive. An Under-inflated tire that can’t grip the road can cause a heavy steering feel.
They can cause the car to skid on sudden halts. It’ll also cause high gas consumption, which will lead to a constant visit to gas stations and extra bucks.
Q: Do tires lose grip when they’re worn out?
Of course, a worn-out tire loses grip on the road. As tires run and wear down, the treads and the sidewalls wear too. Less amount of tire tread equals reduced road grip.
Final word
It is important to know what causes tires to wear on the inside so you won’t panic unnecessarily when you notice it. That is the aim of this article. This article has provided sufficient information and explained the required repair procedures to tackle the culprits.
If you have front or rear tires wearing on the inside, follow the guides on this article to fix it or contact your mechanic.