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What types of uneven wear are there?
There are five common types of uneven wear, and each suggests a different cause.
| What it looks like | Most common cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Worn in the centre | Pressure too high | Cold pressure compared with the manufacturer's value |
| Worn on both shoulders | Pressure too low or overloading | Pressure and usual load |
| Worn on one side only (inner or outer) | Alignment: camber or toe | Wheel geometry |
| Patches or dips around the circumference | Shock absorbers, balancing, wheel not perfectly centred | Suspension and balancing |
| "Saw-tooth" tread blocks | Often toe or particular use | Alignment and tyre rotation |
Tread worn in the centre or on the shoulders: why?
Wear in the centre and wear on the shoulders almost always come down to pressure.
- Centre: with too much pressure the tread becomes rounded and works mainly in the central part. Read over-inflated tyres.
- Shoulders: with too little pressure the tyre squashes and rests on its edges; frequently driving fully loaded without adjusting the pressure has the same effect.
Putting it right starts with the correct pressure: read how and when to check tyre pressure.
Tyre worn only on the inside or outside: what does it mean?
Wear concentrated on one side of the tread usually indicates an alignment problem, that is, with the geometry with which the wheel sits on the road.
The causes may be toe or camber that is out of adjustment, sometimes after a hard impact with a kerb or pothole, or worn suspension components. The inner edge is often the hardest to see: check it by turning the wheels. After a significant impact it may be worth checking the condition of the wheel too, as we explain in damaged wheel rim.
Does uneven wear cause symptoms while driving?
Yes, uneven wear often comes with noticeable symptoms: vibration, noise or a car that pulls to one side.
- Rhythmic noise that increases with speed: possible patchy wear.
- Steering wheel vibration at certain speeds: possibly balancing.
- Car tending to drift to one side: different pressures between the wheels, or alignment.
Find out more in steering wheel vibration or a car that pulls to one side.
How do you prevent uneven wear?
A few regular habits are enough to prevent it.
- Check the pressure at least once a month, with the tyres cold.
- Adjust the pressure when travelling fully loaded, following the manufacturer's guidance.
- Have the alignment checked after hard impacts or if you notice wear on one side.
- If the manufacturer recommends it, rotate the tyres between axles periodically (watch out for directional tyres and different front and rear sizes).
- Look at the tread when you check the pressure: spotting it early saves the tyre.
Does an unevenly worn tyre need replacing?
It needs replacing if it has reached the legal limit at any point or shows damage; otherwise it can stay in use, but only once the cause has been dealt with, or the new tyre will go the same way.
The limit and how to measure it are explained in worn tread: the legal limit. If you have a puncture or a flat tyre in Milan or its province, SOS Tyre comes out 24/7, in 30 minutes on average, to wherever you are: call +39 377 326 0999.
Frequently asked questions
Can uneven wear be caused by driving style?
Partly, yes. Harsh acceleration, heavy braking and fast cornering wear the shoulders and tread blocks more. Driving style, however, rarely explains wear on one side only or in patches: in those cases it is worth checking the pressure, alignment, shock absorbers and balancing.
How often should the alignment be checked?
There is no interval that suits every car: check the manufacturer's service schedule. Generally it is worth having it checked when you fit new tyres, after hitting a pothole or kerb hard, or when you notice wear on one side or the car pulling to one side.
Can I move a worn tyre to another axle?
Rotating tyres between axles can help even out wear, but it must be done following the manufacturer's guidance, taking into account any directional tyres and different front and rear sizes. Moving a tyre does not fix the cause of uneven wear.
Is uneven wear dangerous?
It can be. Tread worn on one side can reach the legal limit in that area while the rest looks fine, reducing grip, especially in the wet. Check the whole width of the tread, including the less visible inner part.