Uneven tyre wear is a sign that something is wrong with your vehicle. Learn the most common wear patterns, their causes, and how to correct them.
Uneven tyre wear is a common problem that often points to an underlying issue with tyre pressure, wheel alignment, or suspension components. Recognising the type of wear pattern can help identify the root cause and prevent further damage to new tyres fitted as replacements.
Centre wear — where the middle of the tyre is noticeably more worn than the outer edges — typically indicates over-inflation. The reverse pattern, with edges wearing faster than the centre, points to chronic under-inflation. Both are straightforward to address by adjusting tyre pressures to the vehicle's specified level.
Wear concentrated on one edge of the tyre is usually associated with incorrect wheel alignment, specifically an excessive camber or toe angle. If your car pulls to one side, or your steering wheel does not sit straight when driving on a flat road, misalignment is the likely culprit and should be corrected promptly.
Cupping or scalloping — an irregular, patchy wear pattern with high and low spots — often indicates worn shock absorbers or suspension components allowing the tyre to bounce against the road surface. This type of wear warrants a suspension inspection alongside tyre replacement. Glasgow Mobile Tyre Guys can advise on next steps after assessing your tyres.
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