How to spot irregular wear on your car tires

 

Car care is critical to keep your ride in good shape, and it's your responsibility as the owner to ensure it gets scheduled regularly and as needed. However, it's also prudent to be able to spot any issues that may be arising on your vehicle before they develop into bigger problems, and that's where our Charlotte auto service team is here to help. 

6 types of irregular car tire wear you should know about 

Your car tires are crucial to performance and safety so knowing when there's an issue with them is important. If they're wearing unevenly, not only does it mean you'll have to replace them more often but it also points to an underlying issues. Here are the 6 main types of irregular car tire wear that you should be able to spot. 

1. Feathering: You might not be able to actually see feathering on your car tires, but you'll be able to feel it. It feels like spiky or sharp pieces when you run your hands over the tires. This type of wear is caused by poor wheel alignments, so have our Charlotte auto service techs inspect your ride. 

2. Cupping: Cupping looks like small, semi-circle marks on your tires. You'll often find it on trailer tires because it's caused by the tires bouncing on the road. Regardless of which car tires you see these marks on, be sure to have your suspension and shocks checked. 

3. Side wear: If you notice the sides of your tires wearing more than the center, it could be caused by underinflation. If the PSI is too low, it'll cause this type of wear. Make sure you reinflate your tires to the right level. 

4. Center wear: Conversely, if the center of your car tires wears faster than the sides, your tires are likely inflated too much. This causes the tires to bulge and the center touches the road more than the sides, wearing it down quickly. 

5. Sidewall wear: If you have sidewall damage to your car tires, it's likely from brushing curbs or other objects while you're trying to park. This type of wear actually damages your tire's structural integrity and leaves you prone to blowouts, so don't ignore it. 

6. Flat spots: Flat spots can be both seen and felt when you drive, and are the result of aggressive braking. If you notice this type of car tire wear, be sure to bring your car to Toyota of N Charlotte ASAP to have them remedied. 

Take care of tire troubles at Toyota of Orlando 

Need car tire service or a new set of tires? Call Toyota of N Charlotte at (704) 659-2025 or stop by to talk to our team and schedule an appointment at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville.