What is tyre wear? In essence, tyre wear refers to a tyre that has lost its tread depth to the point where it has reached the tread wear indicators, typically around 1.6 mm for passenger vehicles. This can also include tyres that are damaged beyond safe use or those that have aged significantly, compromising their performance and safety on the road.
Tyre wear patterns and charts
Tyre wear patterns result from various factors, including driving habits, vehicle alignment, tyre pressure, and road conditions. Uneven wear often signals issues such as misalignment or incorrect inflation, while certain wear patterns can indicate aggressive driving or a need for regular tyre rotation. Excessive or uneven tyre wear is a common issue among drivers, typically caused by problems like poor alignment, inflation inconsistencies, or a worn-out suspension system.
To monitor tyre health and maintain safety, especially for motorcycles, tyre wear indicators are essential. These indicators mark the minimum tread depth needed for optimal performance. Keeping an eye on tread depth and regularly checking wear limits allow you to make informed decisions about when to replace your tyres, ensuring safe and reliable vehicle handling.
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Toe tyre wear
Significant deterioration along the inner or outer edges of a tyre – often referred to as “toe wear” or, in more severe cases, “camber wear” – can indicate potential problems with the vehicle’s wheel alignment, as stated by Bridgestone. This refers to when the inner or outer side of the tread blocks is wearing quicker than the other.
Camber wear
The camber angle influences the tyre’s contact with the road, impacting grip, handling, and braking. Incorrect camber causes uneven tyre wear, as too much angle in either direction can wear down the rubber unevenly – this is when the inner or outer edge of the tyre is much lower or higher than the opposite side.
Centre tyre wear
If tyre pressure is always too high, the central part of the tyre will wear out more quickly. Check the pressure recommendations in the owner’s manual and make sure you’re keeping an eye on the tyre pressure. When the pressure is too high, the contact patch of the tread can shrink, leaving the centre of the tyre to carry all the load. You can usually find the correct tyre pressure in the owner’s manual or on a sticker on the driver’s side door jamb.
Edge tyre wear
If your tyres show wear on the inner and outer edges, they may be underinflated or leaking air. This could result in increased road contact for the tyre edges. Excessive cornering speed can put excessive pressure on the tyre edges. Consider reducing your cornering speed for both safety and tyre longevity.
Feathered edge wear, a common type of irregular tyre wear, can be caused by underinflation, misalignment, or worn ball joints. Underinflation is the most common cause of edge wear as it causes the contact patch to increase and as a result, the tyre edges carry most of the load. Outer edge wear, another common problem, can be caused by overinflation or excessive cornering. Note: In the UK, specific legal limits govern tyre tread depth, making it illegal to use tyres with a tread depth below the prescribed limit on public roads.
Patch tyre wear
Uneven tyre wear can be caused by several factors. An unbalanced tyre, with its uneven weight distribution, will bounce and wobble as it rotates. A misaligned suspension or a bent or buckled wheel can also contribute to uneven tyre wear, often showing up as patches of excessive wear. You may find that the wear pattern is patchy or concentrated in certain spots. This often means that the tyre is out of balance.
Cup tyre wear
Cupping, or tyre scalloping, is a type of uneven tyre wear characterised by small, cupped indentations in the tread. These indentations, typically 3-4 inches in diameter, can cause a noticeable rumbling noise, especially at higher speeds. This problem is often misdiagnosed as a worn wheel bearing. If you see diagonal scallops on the tread, take this seriously as it usually indicates that the suspension is worn, bent or damaged. You should have it repaired by a mechanic as soon as possible.
Sawtooth tyre wear
Sawtooth tyre wear, also known as tyre cupping, is another irregular pattern of tyre wear. Tyres have unique tread patterns moulded onto their surface to improve road grip. Their tread pattern enables them to handle different surfaces in different conditions.
Electric car tyre wear
Weight is a significant factor in the deterioration of electric vehicle tyres. Due to their large battery packs, electric vehicles often weigh more than conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. 1 This additional weight puts more pressure on the tyres, which can accelerate wear.
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What can cause excessive or uneven tyre wear?
Such unusual tyre wear might result from improper wheel alignment, a damaged suspension, a worn-out steering mechanism, or a problem within the braking system. When wheel alignment is incorrect, the wheels are not oriented exactly in the direction intended. Have the wheel alignment checked, check the suspension and steering for wear, and make sure the brakes are working properly.
How to check tyre wear
To quickly check if your tyres meet the tyre wear limit, simply insert a coin into the tread grooves. If the coin’s rim stays visible, the tread may be too shallow, indicating it’s time to replace it. If the rim disappears within the groove, your tread depth is likely sufficient, and the tyre is still safe to use.
How to choose car tyres
Begin by checking the sidewall of your current tyre, where essential details like size and specifications are displayed. This information helps ensure that any replacement tyre is compatible with your vehicle and meets safety standards, providing optimal performance and reliability. Make sure to select tyres that match these specifications for optimum performance and to meet safety standards.
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