Why Uneven Tire Wear Matters
At Kennedy Tire & Auto Service in Edmond, OK, we believe your tires tell a story—if you know how to read it. Uneven tire wear doesn’t just affect how your car drives; it’s also a sign that something might be wrong with your vehicle’s alignment, suspension, or even tire pressure. Ignoring the early signs of irregular tire wear can lead to more serious problems down the road.
What Causes Uneven Tire Wear?
There are several reasons tires may wear down unevenly. Here are a few of the most common causes:
- Improper Alignment: If your wheels aren’t properly aligned, they won’t make even contact with the road surface. This often causes one side of the tread to wear more than the other.
- Incorrect Tire Pressure: Both over-inflated and under-inflated tires can lead to uneven wear. Over-inflation can cause wear down the center of the tread, while under-inflation causes wear on the sides.
- Worn Suspension Parts: Loose or damaged components like wheel bearings, shocks, or struts can affect how the tires connect with the road.
- Tire Cupping: This is a type of uneven wear that looks like dips or scallops in the tread. It often results from bad suspension parts or unbalanced tires.
- Neglected Rotations: Failing to rotate your tires regularly causes certain tires to wear down faster.
Spotting Uneven Tire Wear
You don’t need to be a tire expert to recognize the signs. Here’s what to look for when you inspect your tires:
- One side of the tire tread is lower than the other
- Bald spots or flat spotting on different areas of the tire
- Wavy or scalloped patterns, also known as tire cupping
- Tread wearing more on the inner or outer edges (sides of the tread)
These patterns aren’t just cosmetic—they directly affect your car’s safety and performance. If your tires aren’t making even contact with the road, it can reduce traction and handling, especially in wet or slick conditions.
How To Prevent Irregular Tire Wear
The good news? Uneven tire wear is preventable. At Kennedy Tire & Auto Service, we recommend a few simple habits to keep your tires wearing evenly:
Check Tire Pressure Monthly
- Use a tire gauge and compare the reading to your vehicle’s specs found in the owner’s manual. Proper inflation ensures tires wear evenly and perform at their best.
Schedule Regular Tire Rotations
- Rotating your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles helps balance out wear across all four tires.
Get a Wheel Alignment
- If your vehicle pulls to one side or the steering wheel is off-center, it’s time for an alignment. Properly aligned wheels reduce excessive wear and improve fuel efficiency.
Inspect Suspension and Wheel Bearings
- Damaged or worn components can affect how your tires roll and wear. Our technicians can check these parts during routine service.
When To See A Professional
If you notice any signs of uneven wear or haven’t had your alignment checked in a while, stop by Kennedy Tire & Auto Service in Edmond, OK. Our team can inspect your tires, adjust your alignment, and check tire pressure to ensure you’re driving on safe, evenly worn tires.
Protect Your Investment
Your tires are one of the most important parts of your vehicle, and keeping them in good shape saves you money in the long run. Whether you’re dealing with flat spotting, tire cupping, or uneven tread depth, our team is here to help. Trust Kennedy Tire & Auto Service to keep your vehicle riding smoothly and safely.
Call or visit us today to schedule your inspection!