Tread Wear Patterns

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE TREAD WEAR PATTERNS
Abnormal tire tread wear can be caused by:
- Incorrect inflation pressure
- Tire/wheel unbalance
- Worn suspension components
- Improper brake operation
- Bent wheels
- Incorrect front wheel alignment
- Excessive speed when turning the vehicle





In most situations, inspection of the tire tread wear will reveal the cause of the abnormal wear. The illustration below shows the various types of tire tread wear patterns and the recommended corrective action.
Rapid wear from the tire tread shoulders is usually caused by under- inflation. If this type of wear occurs and the tires are serviceable, inflate the tires to their recommended cold inflation pressure.
Rapid wear from the center of tire tread is usually caused by over- inflation. If this type of wear occurs and the tires are serviceable, inflate them with the recommended air inflation pressure when they are cold.
Cracked treads are usually caused by under-inflation or excessive high-speed vehicle operation. Tires with cracked treads should be replaced and the replacement tires should be properly maintained to avoid a recurrence of the failure.
Excessive wear from one tread shoulder can be caused by excessive speed on turns or by an incorrect camber angle. An incorrect negative camber angle will cause excessive wear from the tire inside shoulder. An incorrect positive camber angle will cause excessive wear from the tire outside shoulder. If this type of tread wear occurs, measure the camber angle. If the camber angle is within the specified limits, caution the owner about excessive speed when turning.
An incorrect wheel toe position will cause the tire tread surface to develop a feathered edge. One side of the tread will be rounded while the opposite side will have a feathered edge. This type of tread wear indicates that the tire is side slipping and scuffing as it moves over the street/road surface.
A feathered tread edge that faces toward the vehicle indicates an excessive wheel toe-in position. A feathered tread edge that faces away from the vehicle indicates an excessive wheel toe-out position. The direction that a feathered edge has developed can be determined by moving the tips of your fingers over the tire tread surface. Bent steering components can also cause this type of tire tread wear.
If a feathered edge develops on the tread of a tire(s), measure and correct the wheel toe position as necessary.






VEHICLE LEAD CORRECTION DIAGNOSIS CHART