TIRE CONDITIONS
Causes and Corrections
Tread Wear - In Center
Probable Cause
- Tires overinflated
- Use of oversized tires
Appropriate Correction
- Confirm cold inflation pressure matches vehicle's recommended pressures
- Confirm appropriate rim width and evaluate alternate tire pressures
Tread Wear - On Both Shoulders
Probable Cause
- Tires underinflated
- Vehicle overloaded
Appropriate Correction
- Confirm cold inflation pressure matches vehicle's recommended pressures
- Confirm load being carried is within vehicle specifications, reduce as necessary
Tread Wear - On One Shoulder
Probable Cause
- Wheel alignment does not match actual driving conditions
- Worn or damaged steering/suspensions parts
Appropriate Correction
- Set alignment to most appropriate angles withing vehicle's approved range
- Replace worn or bent parts and align
Tread Wear - Heel and Toe Block Wear
Probable Cause
- Insufficient tire rotation for driving conditions
- Tires underinflated, increasing drag and wear
Appropriate Correction
- Rotate tires more frequently following vehicle's approved pattern
- Confirm cold inflation pressure matches vehicle's recommended pressures
Tread Wear - Irregular Cupping
Probable Cause
- Loose steering or suspension components
- Tires and wheels out of balance
Appropriate Correction
- Replace worn struts/shocks and other steering/suspension parts and align
- Correct balance of tires and wheels
Circumferential Split/Star
Probable Cause
- Impact break from road hazard or pothole
- Tire sidewall pinched between road and wheel
Appropriate Correction
- Dismount tire and inspect for interior damage, replace tire if damage is found
- Determine if wheel is bent by inspecting for runout, replace wheel if damage is found
Bubble/Bulge
Probable Cause
- Tire sidewall pinched between road and wheel
- Components contaminated during manufacturing
Appropriate Correction
- Dismount tire and inspect, tire manufacturer's warranty applies if no interior damage is found
- Dismount tire and inspect, interior damage indicates road hazard
Ozone/Weather Cracking
Probable Cause
- Frequent exposure to direct sun and hot temperatures
- Tires exposed to ozone or harsh chemicals
Appropriate Correction
- Evaluate service conditions and attempt to minimize exposure to sun and heat
- Attempt to keep tires away from sources of ozone and chemical exposure
Abrasions of Both Sidewalls
Probable Cause
- Driven on when extremely low on air
- Driven on when flat
Appropriate Correction
- Dismount and inspect tire for interior damage, replace tire if damage is found
WARNING:
Operating, servicing and maintaining a passenger vehicle or off-road vehicle can expose you to
chemicals including engine exhaust, carbon monoxide, phthalates, and lead, which are known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. To
minimize exposure, avoid breathing exhaust, do not idle the engine except as necessary, service
your vehicle in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves or wash your hands frequently when
servicing your vehicle. For more information go to